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4E 205
Certain events are only known by affected parties. If you decide to reference an event, make sure it is appropriate for your character.
Second Seed
1st; Emperor Gaius Tarius of Cyrodiil managed to contact Vallisun, a Bosmer separatist leader known as "The Keeper" to his followers. Imperial City agreed to send in one legion in order to aid The Keeper in overthrowing their Thalmor governor. Agreement was reached by the end of the first week, the Empire promised to preserve natural resources and uphold Valenwood's sovereignty as an independent state.
16th; scouts of the fifth Imperial legion helped Khajiit forces against bandits near Cyrodiil-Elsweyr border. The Emperor maneuvers to influence Elsweyr.
17th; skirmish between Morrowind and Black Marsh. The Argonians fielded werebeasts while the Dunmers tested Akaviri-inspired weapons.
18th; various opportunists sown mishaps across Tamriel. Werewolves became unnaturally active in Cheydinhal, pirate captain Dupont seized Breton and Redguard ships near Illiac Bay and Stros M'Kai in order to ransom appropriate parties, Khajiits overdosed on skooma riot in Torval.
In response to events above; actions and inaction were taken. The Cyrodilic ninth legion, a reservist unit, was called to to augment Cheydinhal guards. Both High Rock and Hammefell chose to ignore Dupont. Torval city authorities were paralyzed by the riot, leading to civil order breakdown.
20th; several revolts occurred in northern Valenwood. Thalmor officials and Bosmer loyalists fled to the south. First Imperial legion enters Valenwood, beginning combined operations with the separatists.
25th; Dark Elves once again fought Argonians near Tear. Black Marsh government denounced Argonian fighters as extremists.
26th; a summit was hosted on Isle of Balfiera. Attending guests consisted of the Emperor and various heads of state of High Rock. After several days of negotiation, the Bretons managed to elect a High King, at the Emperor's urging.
30th; Torval, the capital of Elsweyr. The Mane was assassinated by undetermined actor(s?), paving the way for a long and bloody civil war that leaves Elsweyer severely weakened. One faction of the Civil war, in the north, are pro-empire, the south forces are pro independent, with some southerners even seeking to return to the Dominion.
16th; scouts of the fifth Imperial legion helped Khajiit forces against bandits near Cyrodiil-Elsweyr border. The Emperor maneuvers to influence Elsweyr.
17th; skirmish between Morrowind and Black Marsh. The Argonians fielded werebeasts while the Dunmers tested Akaviri-inspired weapons.
18th; various opportunists sown mishaps across Tamriel. Werewolves became unnaturally active in Cheydinhal, pirate captain Dupont seized Breton and Redguard ships near Illiac Bay and Stros M'Kai in order to ransom appropriate parties, Khajiits overdosed on skooma riot in Torval.
In response to events above; actions and inaction were taken. The Cyrodilic ninth legion, a reservist unit, was called to to augment Cheydinhal guards. Both High Rock and Hammefell chose to ignore Dupont. Torval city authorities were paralyzed by the riot, leading to civil order breakdown.
20th; several revolts occurred in northern Valenwood. Thalmor officials and Bosmer loyalists fled to the south. First Imperial legion enters Valenwood, beginning combined operations with the separatists.
25th; Dark Elves once again fought Argonians near Tear. Black Marsh government denounced Argonian fighters as extremists.
26th; a summit was hosted on Isle of Balfiera. Attending guests consisted of the Emperor and various heads of state of High Rock. After several days of negotiation, the Bretons managed to elect a High King, at the Emperor's urging.
30th; Torval, the capital of Elsweyr. The Mane was assassinated by undetermined actor(s?), paving the way for a long and bloody civil war that leaves Elsweyer severely weakened. One faction of the Civil war, in the north, are pro-empire, the south forces are pro independent, with some southerners even seeking to return to the Dominion.
Midyear
3rd; facing the crumbling Khajiit regime, Imperial "advisers" began to move in. Cavalry and reconnaissance units of the fifth legion aided the remaining government, who lost control of the southern half, in enforcing martial law. What was left of the Mane's administration fell under the control of his top general, Ab'Farahn. Ab'Farahn planned for Elsweyr to become an Imperial protectorate once reunified.
For the duration of Midyear, Imperial advisers would be increasingly prominent in Elsweyr. Though officials from the White-Gold Tower denied it, much of the fifth legion would occupy Khajiiti regions by the end of that month. Both the North and their Imperial allies led an embargo against the south; while effective at cutting off supplies, it divided the population further.
5th; several Thalmor spies were caught by Redguard agents on Stros M'Kai. Dupont's pirates were also sighted around the island. No major actions undertaken by Hammefell.
15th; Argonia invited major powers to attend a summit in Stormhold on the 26th of Midyear. All Tamrielic nations, save for Elsweyr, were included.
15th; Dominion loyalists were driven out of Falinesti and Silvenar. The Redguard Navy took advantage of this situation and captured a major Dominion shipyard in northern Valenwood coasts.
16th; the first legion and Bosmer separatist have captured forty-percent of Valenwood. This included Arenthia, Falinesti and Silvenar. The Keeper officially seized power in Falinesti. Meanwhile, Dominion leadership on Alinor finally recovered from the surprise attack and began to reassert itself, espionage and propaganda campaign was immediate, an armed counter-offensive was planned. Ship production increased in order to compensate for recent losses.
18th; agents from Morrowind engaged in covert action against their Cyrodilic counterparts in Cheydinhal. After a series of abductions, tortures, blackmailing and occasional confrontations, the Imperials were outmaneuvered. It was unknown how long the spy game went on for, but both governments denied its existence.
24th; The Bosmer Keeper cedes over northern coastal territory around Falinesti to the Redgaurds.
25th; 200 proud and brave Argonian set sail to Southern Elsweyr in order to lend aid to the southern forces. However, by the time they land, Torval had been overran by the north; the battle costed both sides immensely.
26th; admirals of Summerset Isle launches a surprise attack on Stros M'kai. The battle of Port Hunding begins largely between The Yokudan Fleet and the Royal Alinor fleets and ends in a Pyrrhic victory for the latter, leaving both fairly devastated.
For the duration of Midyear, Imperial advisers would be increasingly prominent in Elsweyr. Though officials from the White-Gold Tower denied it, much of the fifth legion would occupy Khajiiti regions by the end of that month. Both the North and their Imperial allies led an embargo against the south; while effective at cutting off supplies, it divided the population further.
5th; several Thalmor spies were caught by Redguard agents on Stros M'Kai. Dupont's pirates were also sighted around the island. No major actions undertaken by Hammefell.
15th; Argonia invited major powers to attend a summit in Stormhold on the 26th of Midyear. All Tamrielic nations, save for Elsweyr, were included.
15th; Dominion loyalists were driven out of Falinesti and Silvenar. The Redguard Navy took advantage of this situation and captured a major Dominion shipyard in northern Valenwood coasts.
16th; the first legion and Bosmer separatist have captured forty-percent of Valenwood. This included Arenthia, Falinesti and Silvenar. The Keeper officially seized power in Falinesti. Meanwhile, Dominion leadership on Alinor finally recovered from the surprise attack and began to reassert itself, espionage and propaganda campaign was immediate, an armed counter-offensive was planned. Ship production increased in order to compensate for recent losses.
18th; agents from Morrowind engaged in covert action against their Cyrodilic counterparts in Cheydinhal. After a series of abductions, tortures, blackmailing and occasional confrontations, the Imperials were outmaneuvered. It was unknown how long the spy game went on for, but both governments denied its existence.
24th; The Bosmer Keeper cedes over northern coastal territory around Falinesti to the Redgaurds.
25th; 200 proud and brave Argonian set sail to Southern Elsweyr in order to lend aid to the southern forces. However, by the time they land, Torval had been overran by the north; the battle costed both sides immensely.
26th; admirals of Summerset Isle launches a surprise attack on Stros M'kai. The battle of Port Hunding begins largely between The Yokudan Fleet and the Royal Alinor fleets and ends in a Pyrrhic victory for the latter, leaving both fairly devastated.
Factbook
All NRP events are canon unless contradicted.
Fruits of Contention will always take precedence in lore conflicts with Rising Storm.
Stemming from Atmoran traditions, Nordic warriors affectionately called each other "shield-brothers/sisters". Bulwarks held by the legendary 500 still lined the walls of Jorrvaskr today, protecting the companions' stead as it had for four eras. Following the Stormcloak victory in Solitude, and the removal of all Imperial influence from Skyrim, the new high king announced an unified army. This new force would be Nordic from its roots. By the Nords, for the Nords; a true shield of the north.
History
Heroes and villains were integral to Nordic stories. Ysmir, Wulfarth and Talos transcended mortality, figuratively and perhaps physically by dedicating blood and flesh to vanquish the Snow Prince, Ada'Soom Dir-Kamal and Red Eagle. These tales made clear distinctions between good and evil like day and night. But reality was often different, for an early day of 4E 201 would saw a nameless prisoner becoming the most triumphed hero and deplored despot. Ask any citizen of Skyrim, and the Dovahkiin's exploits would flow like a mighty waterfall. It quickly became immortalized among the bards' songs; narratives riddled with often far-fetched boasts the Nords were so famous of. This was the story of one man, who supposedly was born of a Nordic mother and a Yokudan father. One man, whose journey began on a chopping block, overcame tremendous odds in order to best the World Eater and the champion of Hermaeus Mora.
Unknown at first, the Dragonborn had begun to form connections with the underground of Skyrim; the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves' Guild. He was also a strong supporter of the College of Winterhold and halted many Thalmor operations. It was said that he maintained contact with peers of comparable statures; the Harbinger, the Archmage, the Guildmaster and the Listener. During the Civil War, he aided an independent Skyrim, assisting the Stormclocks in its campaign to evict Imperial legionaries. Strangely, things took a turn for worse after Solitude fell. Ulfric Stormcloak was strangely murdered from his throne, with a written will stating the Dragonborn would assume the crown. Chaos ensued for months, the Moot argued, some Jarls would never hand out the Jagged Crown to an outsider (rumors said the Dragonborn was born in Hammerfell). They bickered, blamed, and even threatened to re-ignite a civil conflict. However, the opposing Jarls begun to disappear, only to be replaced by supporters of the Dovahkiin. Skyrim after these events experienced a peaceful time; relaxed and dedicated to rebuilding.
That much was merely the surface. Behind Castle Dour's sealed gates, the Stormcloaks were reformed into the High King's personal enforcers. They would bring down the wrath of their king without question, and more frequently, without justification. The Dovahkiin's efforts would not be opposed, radical land reforms, improving magical education, ultra-nationalist propaganda and most significantly, a centralization of authority. Progress was made, without a doubt; an independent Skyrim stood firm, even with many villages starving. Would it be accepted by the people though? Certain Jarls, such as Balgruuf of Whiterun, would certainly disagree. As stout as the man could be, Balgruuf had his breaking point too; his children. The Dragonborn would call upon his connections with the Dark Brotherhood, who threatened to kill Balgruuf's family should he show signs of disobedience. The average folks would see the same oppression, albeit at a much ruthless form. Local concerns were overridden by "national interests", and resources traditionally allocated for villages were diverted to military and bribery. Angry people took to the streets in the morning, the day, night, then disappear and never to be heard again in the following morn. By 205, the High King would be known as Thur, "overlord" in the dragons' tongue.
Unknown at first, the Dragonborn had begun to form connections with the underground of Skyrim; the Dark Brotherhood and the Thieves' Guild. He was also a strong supporter of the College of Winterhold and halted many Thalmor operations. It was said that he maintained contact with peers of comparable statures; the Harbinger, the Archmage, the Guildmaster and the Listener. During the Civil War, he aided an independent Skyrim, assisting the Stormclocks in its campaign to evict Imperial legionaries. Strangely, things took a turn for worse after Solitude fell. Ulfric Stormcloak was strangely murdered from his throne, with a written will stating the Dragonborn would assume the crown. Chaos ensued for months, the Moot argued, some Jarls would never hand out the Jagged Crown to an outsider (rumors said the Dragonborn was born in Hammerfell). They bickered, blamed, and even threatened to re-ignite a civil conflict. However, the opposing Jarls begun to disappear, only to be replaced by supporters of the Dovahkiin. Skyrim after these events experienced a peaceful time; relaxed and dedicated to rebuilding.
That much was merely the surface. Behind Castle Dour's sealed gates, the Stormcloaks were reformed into the High King's personal enforcers. They would bring down the wrath of their king without question, and more frequently, without justification. The Dovahkiin's efforts would not be opposed, radical land reforms, improving magical education, ultra-nationalist propaganda and most significantly, a centralization of authority. Progress was made, without a doubt; an independent Skyrim stood firm, even with many villages starving. Would it be accepted by the people though? Certain Jarls, such as Balgruuf of Whiterun, would certainly disagree. As stout as the man could be, Balgruuf had his breaking point too; his children. The Dragonborn would call upon his connections with the Dark Brotherhood, who threatened to kill Balgruuf's family should he show signs of disobedience. The average folks would see the same oppression, albeit at a much ruthless form. Local concerns were overridden by "national interests", and resources traditionally allocated for villages were diverted to military and bribery. Angry people took to the streets in the morning, the day, night, then disappear and never to be heard again in the following morn. By 205, the High King would be known as Thur, "overlord" in the dragons' tongue.
People
- "Thur", the Dragonborn and High King of Skyrim - Dead
- Lodvemar Mjorersson, Jarl of Windhelm, top supporter of Thur - Dead
- General Manis the Fair, Marshal of the Nordic Army - Currently the military dictator of the Reach
- Balgruuf the Greater, Jarl of Whiterun - Interim Leader of the Jarls' Moot
- Maven Black-Briar, mead tycoon - Jarl of Riften after an Imperial sponsored coup
- Svari Ice-Heart, rebel leader - Jarl of Falkreath after overthrowing Dengeir
- Medora Aldael, Guildmistress of the Thieves Guild
- Radsie Vallis, Listener of the Dark Brotherhood
- Yakron, Archmage of the College of Winterhold
- Jorjolfr Oath-Smith, Harbinger of the Companions
- Vignar Grey-Mane, former Jarl of Whiterun; supposedly died from old age in 203.
- Brunwulf Free-Winter, slated as replacement Jarl after Ulfric; disappeared in 203.
Politics
As of 2E 405, Skyrim maintains its geopolitical boundaries and operates as a Federal Monarchy. Both Solitude and Windhelm were designated co-capitals, and as compromise to the people of east and west, the Dragonborn would rule from Windhelm during summertime and Solitude in the winter. There are nine Holds - five major, four minor - each one officially governed by a Jarl who acts on behalf of a High King or Queen. Practically though, the Dragonborn's inner circle holds immense power on both national and regional levels. Jarls would still advice and sometimes reject royal decrees. These acts are increasingly ignored, as actual oppositions are silenced in one way or another. While some debate this as a reign of terror, most agreed on a reign of silence. The Dragonborn's voice was the only one spoken under the Snow-Peak, his words would be heard by all, even if it means drowning out the rest.
The government outlined its agenda as the following:
The government outlined its agenda as the following:
- Maintaining Independence
- Skyrim Nationalism
- Self-sufficient Economy
- Expanding Military Capabilities
- Investing in Magical Research
- Reduce Crime and Corruption
- Reinstating Talos Worship
In addition, the government forcefully evicted Imperial and Thalmor officials. Those refusing to leave were imprisoned or executed. All other foreign embassies are under heavy surveillance. Aggressive rhetoric resulted in extremely poor relations with the Dominion and the Empire.
Military
The Military of Skyrim is bigger then ever, slews of raw conscripts bolster a force of thirty-thousand strong.
- ~1000 Stormcloak Elites
- 12500 Professional Soldiers
- 12500 Levies and Draftees
- 5000 Hold Guards and Militias
For a rare moment of its history, mages started being incorporated into Skyrim's army. Becoming a battlemage is the only way to gain formal magic training out of the College. Warriors still reserve much distrust toward mages.
The Dawnguard occasionally work with the holds when vampires attack.
The Dawnguard occasionally work with the holds when vampires attack.
Culture and Society
The Nords are the children of the sky, a race of tall and fair-haired humans from Skyrim who are known for their incredible resistance to cold and magical frost. They are fierce, strong and enthusiastic warriors, and many become renowned warriors, soldiers and mercenaries all over Tamriel. Eager to augment their martial skills beyond the traditional methods of Skyrim, they excel in all manner of warfare, and are known as a militant people by their neighbors. Nords are also natural seamen, and have benefited from nautical trade since their first migrations from Atmora. They captain and crew many merchant fleets, and may be found all along the coasts of Tamriel.
Talos Worship was restored when Solitude fell. With Imperial Legions and Thalmor Justiciars expelled, few dared to stand against this revival. The Dragonborn ordered temples, or at least shrines, if not possible, to be constructed in every major settlement. There were also talks of a national Talos cult, but finer details never seen light in the last four years. Still, high priests of Talos would convey semi-annually in Whiterun, and then Windhelm. Heimskr of Whiterun was appointed chief priest, a title granted for his unwavering devotion to Talos even under the White-Gold Concordat.
If the Nords weren't xenophobic before, they are certainly so now. The only foreign race trusted are the Redguards; who stood firm against the Dominion, splintered from the Empire and most importantly, the ancestors of the Dragonborn's father. Imperials and Bretons were downgraded after the civil war. The Bretons were a curious case, though High Rock's constituent realms stayed neutral, its reluctance to accept Stormcloak legitimacy and its role as Legion staging grounds gained much distrust.
Skyrim has a reputation of frigidness and hostility, however, it also has a bounty of natural resources. The White River runs northeast from Lake Ilinalta across vast, grassy tundra, bleeding into the dusk-colored land, and providing life-sustaining water for its many farms and wild game. A giant caldera dominates Eastmarch, feeding a vast geothermal valley where rare metals dwell in caves and spiked within tall rock formations. Riften, Skyrim’s southernmost Hold is characterized by lush vegetation and fair weather, supporting a healthy population of terrestrial and aquatic life. The Hold capital, Riften, boasts a sprawling marketplace. The city’s affluence is owed primarily to the exportation of local goods, sourced from its many fisheries and meaderies, and a mining town in the northern region. Silver runs in the veins of the Reach; dig a hole more than a man's height, you would be greeted with the dull shine of raw silver.
Nordic cuisine have three favorites. Hearty stews are often mixed with fresh meat, with the one of a kind additions ranging from mammoth snouts to horker patty. The costata is a buttered pastry garnished with northern fruit, it stands out against sweeter southern confectionery. Lastly, no proud Nord can boast without a fat flagon of mead. In some rural communities, children drink their first cup of mead at the age of five.
The lion appears as the hereditary symbol of many Breton kingdoms. A popular legend told of fierce lion prides aiding Breton freedom fighters as they rose up against their Ayleid overlords. The Daggerfall Covenant of the second era featured the lion on its banners. Today, the nostalgics of High Rock propose to reintroduce the lion banner in commemoration of Ferrand Bellemont, the first Breton high king crowned in many centuries.
History
High Rock has always been a land of squabbling petty kingdoms, making treaties and alliances that would last a year, a month, a week or less. Not much has changed since the Miracle of Peace or their admission into the Empire. Now that they aren’t laying siege to each other or skirmishing at every opportunity doesn’t mean that the five remaining monarchs are without their ambitions. Shadow wars, intrigue and scandals are the new sieges, skirmishes and battles. This all changed when High Rock was shaken by the focused attack on Wayrest by pirates that resulted in the death of King Jean Valois, Queen Almin Valois and their heirs and courtiers. Many rumors abound that Daggerfall’s navy was conveniently absent from the mouth of the Iliac bay and only one man could stand to gain by eradicating his rival and any who could live to even fantasize about vengeance: King Ferrand Bellemont of Daggerfall.
Now, after he has ascended to the throne of High King of High Rock, he has lain siege to pirate-infested Wayrest, supposedly to bring Ambrose Mackin to justice for his crimes against High Rock. It still stands that there’s only one man he wants in power as Protector of Wayrest afterwards, and that man is his son, Crown-Prince Gregory Bellemont. One thing he does not yet know, though his spies in the courts of his subjects are whispering furiously about are the rumors of the return of one of the Valois line. The only surviving member of House Valois, with dreams of power and vengeance for all who have wronged him and punishment for all who oppose him- self-proclaimed King of Wayrest, Everard III, so named the Bloody Rose of Wayrest by his supporters and subjects and the Black Bastard of Wayrest by his enemies for the rumors of fratricide and brigandry that have allowed him his place as sole claimant and heir to the whalebone throne of Wayrest.
Up in arms in support of the last hope of an independent Wayrest, the peasantry are up in arms to throw out these Daggerfall dogs from Wayrest and are ready to die for the red-petal rose of Wayrest’s banners. At the head of a ten-thousand strong host with his best friends, Prince Narcisse Septim-Vincens and Mathieu the Whisper, and with some weighty names in High Rock supporting his claim, he raises his banner, hoists his shield and grips his sword. War has always been a fine tradition of High Rock’s Breton sons, and the Bloody Rose has come to claim his throne all the while the Black Bastard has come to see his enemies put to the sword.
Geographically speaking, High Rock is currently divided between five major powers.
Now, after he has ascended to the throne of High King of High Rock, he has lain siege to pirate-infested Wayrest, supposedly to bring Ambrose Mackin to justice for his crimes against High Rock. It still stands that there’s only one man he wants in power as Protector of Wayrest afterwards, and that man is his son, Crown-Prince Gregory Bellemont. One thing he does not yet know, though his spies in the courts of his subjects are whispering furiously about are the rumors of the return of one of the Valois line. The only surviving member of House Valois, with dreams of power and vengeance for all who have wronged him and punishment for all who oppose him- self-proclaimed King of Wayrest, Everard III, so named the Bloody Rose of Wayrest by his supporters and subjects and the Black Bastard of Wayrest by his enemies for the rumors of fratricide and brigandry that have allowed him his place as sole claimant and heir to the whalebone throne of Wayrest.
Up in arms in support of the last hope of an independent Wayrest, the peasantry are up in arms to throw out these Daggerfall dogs from Wayrest and are ready to die for the red-petal rose of Wayrest’s banners. At the head of a ten-thousand strong host with his best friends, Prince Narcisse Septim-Vincens and Mathieu the Whisper, and with some weighty names in High Rock supporting his claim, he raises his banner, hoists his shield and grips his sword. War has always been a fine tradition of High Rock’s Breton sons, and the Bloody Rose has come to claim his throne all the while the Black Bastard has come to see his enemies put to the sword.
Geographically speaking, High Rock is currently divided between five major powers.
- Kingdom of Daggerfall
- Camlorn Principality
- Duchy of Northpoint
- Kingdom of Jehanna
- Republic of Wayrest
People
Greater High Rock:
- High King Ferrand Bellemont of Daggerfall
- Gregory Bellemont of Daggerfall, Ferrand’s heir and Protector of Wayrest
- Vivienne of Grennsmark the “Iron Lady,” Field Marshal
- Argyllien Direnni of Balfiera, Captain of the Direnni Levies
- Grand-Duke Beralt Courtois of Northpoint
- Count Aethelwulf Aethelwulfing of Hardwall, Beralt’s Field Marshal, Captain of the Hardwall Levies Lord
- Hesse Arnault of Farnorth, Captain of the Farnorth Levies
- Ingvar Half-Hand, Captain of the Iron Brothers
- Hossenfar of Gradskeep, Captain of the Blackguards
- Alannis Ervette, Leader of Jehanna insurgents
Everard’s Rebellion:
- Everard III the Bastard of Wayrest, self-proclaimed King of Wayrest, Captain of the Grey Host, and leader of the Blackhound Brigands
- Mathieu the Whisper, court nightblade to Everard and master of disguise
- Sir Roderic the Bull, Captain of the Company of the Bull
- Narcisse Septim-Vincens, Prince of Camlorn, Everard’s Captain of the Camlorn Levies
- Duke Egan Provell “the Rock of Shornhelm,” Everard’s Field Marshal
- Count Darren of Stonemoors, Captain of the Stonemoors Levies
- Lord Aelfged of Ram’s Rest, Captain of the Ram’s Rest Levies
- King Frithjolf Broken-Shield of Jehanna
- Hrolfr Iron-Arm of Jehanna, Frithjolf’s heir and Field Marshal
- Antoinne of Jehanna, Frithjolf’s second son and spymaster
- Duke Hawkwood of Farrun, Frithjolf’s captain of the Farrun Levies
- Blood-Red Nate, Leader of the Defenders of Wayrest and Leader of the Southwood Brigands
- Snorri Splitfoot, Leader of the Quickfoot Brigands
- Lightsleep, Leader of the Cracktusk Brigands
- Cammen Goring, Leader of the Steelhead Brigands
- Old Man Yor, Commander of the River Watch of Wayrest
- Engel Merkiller, Commander of the Forest Watch of Wayrest
- Chieftess Red-Crow Eats-Them-Whole, Crow-Wife Clan
- Chief Rockgulper, Broketeeth Clan
- Ruccat gro-Schin, Captain of Orc volunteers
Politics
Unlike the days of old, High Rock has come under the rulership of five monarchs, each securing their lands as sovereign states. Until 4E 205, these five states operated with almost unchecked autonomy with the absence of the Imperial Garrison after the end of the Great War. In 4e205, the Emperor of Cyrodiil held a summit with the five rulers and High Rock’s politics have changed, the Emperor’s hopes being for the better. High King Ferrand Bellemont, King of Daggerfall and High-King of High Rock has come into power through the votes of the Prince Electorate of High Rock, a council set up for the election of the King’s royal line in the event the High-King should die without any male heirs. This council is made up of the lords of the five realms- Daggerfall, Camlorn, Jehanna, Northpoint, and Wayrest will be brought into the fold soon enough.
High Rock hosts record amount of knightly orders. From the well-established Knights of the Flame and Zenithar's Iron Knights to more recent upstarts such as the Uberknecht and Order of the 1337. Rural, decentralized regions often surrender governance to local knights in exchange for protection. While in larger cities, the monarch's personal army may collaborate or rival (depending on political climate) with their independent counterparts.
High Rock hosts record amount of knightly orders. From the well-established Knights of the Flame and Zenithar's Iron Knights to more recent upstarts such as the Uberknecht and Order of the 1337. Rural, decentralized regions often surrender governance to local knights in exchange for protection. While in larger cities, the monarch's personal army may collaborate or rival (depending on political climate) with their independent counterparts.
Military
Greater High Rock:
- 2,070 of Ferrand’s personal levy
- 500, Ferrand’s retinue
- 1,567, Grennsmark Levies
- 800, Direnni Levies
- 2,234, Northpoint Levies
- 1,700, Hardwall Levies
- 1,030, Farnorth Levies
- 2,000, the Iron Brothers
- 2,000, the Blackguards
- 96, Jehanna Breton insurgents
Total = 13,997
Everard’s Rebellion:
Everard’s Rebellion:
- 500, the Grey Host
- 1,000, the Company of the Bull
- 2,300, Camlorn Levies
- 1,021, Egan’s personal levies
- 920, Stonemoors Levies
- 807, Ram’s Rest Levies
- 740, Frithjolf’s Retinue
- 246, Hrolfr’s Band
- 120, Antoinne’s Band
- 780, Farrun Levies
- 45, Southwood Brigands
- 37, Quickfoot Brigands
- 24, Golden Plains Brigands
- 40, Steelhead Brigands
- 400, River and Forest Watch
- 700, Crow-Wife Clan
- 890, Broketeeth Clan
- 100, Orc volunteers
Total = 10,670
Culture and Society
Bretons are the human descendants of the Aldmeri-Nedic Manmer of the Merethic Era and are now the inhabitants of the province of High Rock. They are united in culture and language, even though they are divided politically, for High Rock is a fractious region. Bretons make up the peasantry, soldiery, and magical elite of the feudal kingdoms that compete for power. Many are capable mages with innate resistance to magicka. They are known for a proficiency in abstract thinking and unique customs. Bretons appear, by and large, much like other pale-skinned humans. They are usually slight of build and not as muscular as Nords or Redguards. Their Elvish ancestry is usually only detectable upon a closer inspection of their eyebrows, ears, or high cheekbones, though many individual Bretons appear to be more Nordic or Imperial than anything else. The great diversity in their appearance is to be expected from their politically fractured society, though their clothes, accents, customs and names are fairly uniform.
The overall society of High Rock is feudal in nature, with powerful heads of state like Kings and Dukes holding the reins, landowners supplying much needed trade goods for the market and economy to the Lords and the Lords, in turn, supplying the reigning ruler with men for the armies. This model of society can be applied to most of High Rock, with Wayrest being the only exception.
Despite this heavily boiled down model of the society of High Rock, it is to be said that the culture is hardly as simple as this. The culture of High Rock has always been one where only the ambitious thrive and are subject to the whims of those strong enough to take their power. Such examples are the five remaining states after the Warp in the West. The royal families of each State are the victors of many wars, and hold their place as the strong among the strong.
Wayrest is the most readily apparent and most recent example, behind Jehanna. The many pirates that fancied themselves good enough captains to lead a State convened to topple the royal family of Wayrest and install their own government. When all was said and done, there was still a leader to choose. Through the most transparent examples of High Rock’s true nature, a series of blackmails, assassinations and open bloody feuds were fought in the streets, the courts and the sea. Out of the smoke stepped one man strong enough to govern, and that was then-Captain Ambrose Mackin, to be renamed Pirate-Lord Ambrose Mackin in light of the position he had earned by slitting throats and doing what needed to be done to secure his place, going from lowly Reachman exile, to sailor, captain and now Pirate-Lord.
What is so noteworthy about the number three? Ask a patriotic Dunmer, and you will hear legends stretching back to the dawn of time. The Nerevarine, a blessed reincarnation of the Dunmer folk hero, understands these legends well. Before he, three tribunal saints guided Morrowind from their gentle hands, and even earlier since time immemorial, a trio of benevolent princes defined the very notion of being Dunmers. From the furious flames and ashes of Red Mountain rose a nation of proud elves. Time after time, we overcame and we thrived; all owing to the three.
History
In the late 4E 202, the Nerevarine, along with a vast collection of Akaviri knowledge, returned to Morrowind, after being instructed by Azura. Initially, his return was met with with suspicion, as several have attempted to called themselves "Nerevarine" after his disappearance. Most signs of doubt was cleared however, when he revealed himself to the councilors of the Great Houses during a conference on Blacklight. House Redoran acknowledging the return of their former Archmaster, proposed to the council to name the Nerevarine as their King, as the position was left vacant with the death of King Hlaalu Helseth during the siege on Mournhold. With majority of the councilors voting for the Nerevarine, he was crowned the King of Morrowind. News of the Nerevarine's return and coronation soon spread across the land of Tamriel, reigniting the flames hope in the hearts of the Dunmer people.
Not long after the Nerevarine was inaugurated as the king of Morrowind, powerful thunderstorms engulfed the land of Vvardenfell, which lasted until early days of 4E 203. When the storms passed, portions of the land was cleansed of ash, and the Red Mountain now less active. It was a miraculous event, some say that Azura herself blessed the Dunmer for glorifying the Nerevarine, while some say that it is the Nerevarine himself that caused the cleansing of the land of Vvardenfell. The truth was unclear, but for sure, it was a blessing that the Dunmer deserved after suffering for so long.
With the land of Vvardenfell being restored, it was nurtured further by Ashlanders, the newly crowned Dark Elf king passed on a decree recalling expatriate Dunmer on Tamriel to Morrowind, to uphold their racial duties on the rebuilding of the province. The decree itself does not obligate every Dunmer, but was treated by some as a divine calling by the favored champion of Azura. Though many saw a pointless effort, a sizable wave dark elves did go back to Morrowind to help with the rebuilding. Of course, others seized the moment as business oppertunity, they loaned resources and funds, in hopes of securing a share of Vvardenfell's future.
During 4E 202, several raids took place on the northern fronts of the Black Marsh, with Dunmer slavers kidnapping Argonians as a form of reparation for their acts in the past. These slaves composed the core workforce for the constructions that took place on Vvardenfell. It was during this year that the Dunmer withdrew from their lands on the south, leaving Tear and Narisis under the hands of the Redoran garrisons. By the end of 4e 204, the city of Gnisis was built and was given to House Dres as replacement for Tear, who strangely did not show signs of public protest when recalled to Vvardenfell. Narsis belonging to House Hlaalu, was easily deserted when the order passed on, due to the Hlaalu's declining rule after being stripped of their Great House title. The city was then turned into a fort, garrisoned by house Redoran.
By the year 4E 205, Morrowind was back on its feet, and the decree was no longer effective, releasing the summoned Dunmer of their duties. Most of the Dunmer stayed on Morrowind, while some, left after receiving their token of reward. With the population on Morrowind reinforced by migrants, an influx of new recruits came to the doorstep of every Great House. Discussions began on relocating their capital to New Vivec, a fortress city current under construction in the crater of Baar Dau.
Not long after the Nerevarine was inaugurated as the king of Morrowind, powerful thunderstorms engulfed the land of Vvardenfell, which lasted until early days of 4E 203. When the storms passed, portions of the land was cleansed of ash, and the Red Mountain now less active. It was a miraculous event, some say that Azura herself blessed the Dunmer for glorifying the Nerevarine, while some say that it is the Nerevarine himself that caused the cleansing of the land of Vvardenfell. The truth was unclear, but for sure, it was a blessing that the Dunmer deserved after suffering for so long.
With the land of Vvardenfell being restored, it was nurtured further by Ashlanders, the newly crowned Dark Elf king passed on a decree recalling expatriate Dunmer on Tamriel to Morrowind, to uphold their racial duties on the rebuilding of the province. The decree itself does not obligate every Dunmer, but was treated by some as a divine calling by the favored champion of Azura. Though many saw a pointless effort, a sizable wave dark elves did go back to Morrowind to help with the rebuilding. Of course, others seized the moment as business oppertunity, they loaned resources and funds, in hopes of securing a share of Vvardenfell's future.
During 4E 202, several raids took place on the northern fronts of the Black Marsh, with Dunmer slavers kidnapping Argonians as a form of reparation for their acts in the past. These slaves composed the core workforce for the constructions that took place on Vvardenfell. It was during this year that the Dunmer withdrew from their lands on the south, leaving Tear and Narisis under the hands of the Redoran garrisons. By the end of 4e 204, the city of Gnisis was built and was given to House Dres as replacement for Tear, who strangely did not show signs of public protest when recalled to Vvardenfell. Narsis belonging to House Hlaalu, was easily deserted when the order passed on, due to the Hlaalu's declining rule after being stripped of their Great House title. The city was then turned into a fort, garrisoned by house Redoran.
By the year 4E 205, Morrowind was back on its feet, and the decree was no longer effective, releasing the summoned Dunmer of their duties. Most of the Dunmer stayed on Morrowind, while some, left after receiving their token of reward. With the population on Morrowind reinforced by migrants, an influx of new recruits came to the doorstep of every Great House. Discussions began on relocating their capital to New Vivec, a fortress city current under construction in the crater of Baar Dau.
People
- The Nerevarine, Reincarnation of a Dunmer legend and King of Morrowind
- Ildoryn Sarano, First Minister and Adviser to the Nerevarine
- Roark Farandras, Redoran Archmaster
- Arvyn Sarandras, Head of Morag Tong
- Neloth, Master Telvanni Wizard and Magical Adviser to the Nerevarine
- Seleyna Drothi, Archmagister of House Telvanni, Ambassador to Orsinium and High Rock
- Mearas Dovyln, High Ranking Member of House Dres and Captain of the Guar Lancers
- Dregos the Defiler, Ashlander Champion
- Deodec, Archpriest of the New Temple
Politics
The King, whose crown was assumed by the Nerevarine, serves as the head of state. He oversees the Coucill of Great Houses, granting royal assent to their bills in addition to issuing decrees. The Great Houses are still the legislative body, the councilors from Redoran, Telvanni, Sadras, Indoril and Dres debate the future of their proud nation in Blacklight and New Vivec.
House Redoran - Military
House Telvanni - Keepers of the Arcane Arts
House Sadras - Economy
House Indoril - Temple watchers
House Dres - Labor force
House Redoran - Military
With the return of the Nerevarine the Redoran Archmaster, House Redoran officially became the most influential and powerful house among the other Great Houses. Under the reformation of the ruling structure in Morrowind, the house became the primary military branch of Morrowind's government.
Land holdings: Ald'ruhn, Blacklight, Solstheim, Maar Gan, Caldera
Land holdings: Ald'ruhn, Blacklight, Solstheim, Maar Gan, Caldera
House Telvanni - Keepers of the Arcane Arts
House Telvanni is the embodiment of the term "knowledge is power" in the Dunmer society. They were known to be intelligent and powerful mages, striving to preserve old Dunmeri culture to whatever the cost. With the reformation, House Telvanni was encouraged to participate in the War Ministry, while enriching the arts of arcane magic, and extensive knowledge.
Land Holdings: Sadrith Mora, Port Telvanni, Dagon Fel, Tel Mora, Tel Branora
Land Holdings: Sadrith Mora, Port Telvanni, Dagon Fel, Tel Mora, Tel Branora
House Sadras - Economy
The newest addition to the order of the Great Houses. House Sadras proved their capability to handle the economic stability of Morrowind, without relying on Imperial support, unlike House Hlaalu. House Sadras' members are mostly successful merchants that share the same idea to make Morrowind prosperous once again. Rumor has it that the house adopted former members of House Hlaalu, which could explain their mastery over handling trade and coins.
Land Holdings: Suran, Pelagiad, Seyda Neen
Land Holdings: Suran, Pelagiad, Seyda Neen
House Indoril - Temple watchers
After returning to Morrowind, House Indoril's remaining members pledged their loyalty to the reincarnation of Indoril Nerevar in respect of the soul of ancestor. The Grand Ascendant position was offered to him so that Nerevar's reincarnation would lead the house, but his position of Archmaster of House Redoran made him decline the offer. The house was given their former duty as the guardians of the temple, but their reputation of antagonizing the Nevarine before made them unpopular among the society.
Land Holdings: Necrom, Molag Mar, Mournhold
Land Holdings: Necrom, Molag Mar, Mournhold
House Dres - Labor force
Ever since Morrowind was established, House Dres provided laborers for the province. They mostly relied on slaves in the past, but now, with House Dres' large member population, provides its members to fulfill the services needed in Morrowind. The infamous Guar Lancers were part of the House, before they moved to the military.
Land Holdings: Gnaar'mok, Hla Oad, Gnisis
Land Holdings: Gnaar'mok, Hla Oad, Gnisis
Military
The very first standing army of Morrowind ever since its founding. The Ashland Armigers were formed during the reformation of the ruling structure of Morrowind. Its purpose is to serve as the permanent military force for the Dunmer, without being compromised by the Great House's internal conflicts. They all wear a full set of darkened bonemold armor with a bonemold shield reinforced by Shalk chitin, and an elven sword to defend themselves, archers are further supplemented by an elven bow with twenty bonemold arrows. All of them also carry a set of clothes and a small amount of gold for personal use. The king acts as the supreme commander of the War Ministry, while the positions of minister and officers are hand picked individuals that are loyal only to Morrowind.
A Chapter of an Armiger is equal to 1,000 soldiers, lead by a Chapter captain.
In addition to its fledgling army, Morrowind calls upon traditional organizations to provide mer-at-arms. The Ordinators still very much enforce justice within Temple jurisdictions, though it suffered significant setback following the demise of ALMSIVI. Various Great Houses supply their own security forces, whether it is the bone-armored Redorans, or the battlemages of the Telvanni, or perhaps the lancers of Dres, each Great House are capable of defending their ancestral holding as have done in numerous times before. Lastly, the Morag Tong is the sole competitor to the Dark Brotherhood, although operating mainly inside their home province, it would occasionally assassinate elsewhere, should sufficient justifications be present.
A Chapter of an Armiger is equal to 1,000 soldiers, lead by a Chapter captain.
In addition to its fledgling army, Morrowind calls upon traditional organizations to provide mer-at-arms. The Ordinators still very much enforce justice within Temple jurisdictions, though it suffered significant setback following the demise of ALMSIVI. Various Great Houses supply their own security forces, whether it is the bone-armored Redorans, or the battlemages of the Telvanni, or perhaps the lancers of Dres, each Great House are capable of defending their ancestral holding as have done in numerous times before. Lastly, the Morag Tong is the sole competitor to the Dark Brotherhood, although operating mainly inside their home province, it would occasionally assassinate elsewhere, should sufficient justifications be present.
- Sentinels of the Moon and Star (secret police): ~500
- Armigers (8 professional chapters, 4 conscript chapters): 12000
- Redoran: 10000
- Other Houses: 5000
- Mercenaries, Ashlanders and Irregulars: 5000
Culture and Society
The Dunmer, also known as Dark Elves, are the ash-skinned, typically red-eyed elven peoples of Morrowind. "Dark" is commonly understood as meaning such characteristics as "dark-skinned", "gloomy", "ill-favored by fate" and so on. The Dunmer and their national identity, however, embrace these various connotations with enthusiasm. In the Empire, "Dark Elf" is the common usage, but among their Aldmeri brethren they are called "Dunmer". Their combination of powerful intellects with strong and agile physiques produce superior warriors and sorcerers. On the battlefield, Dunmer are noted for their skill with a balanced integration of the sword, the bow and destruction magic. Dunmer live two to three times as long as humans; with a 200-year-old Dunmer being old and a 300-year-old Dunmer being very, very old. In character, they are grim, aloof, and reserved, as well as distrusting and disdainful of other races
The Dunmer's religion turned to the The New Temple, also known as the House of Reclamations. It is the Dunmeri religious order that was formed after the fall of the Tribunal and the second eruption of Red Mountain, better known as the Red Year. The temple reinstated the worship of the old Dunmeri Pantheon which included the Daedric Princes, Boethia, Azura and Mephala. These three deities were known to the temple as the "Reclamations", as if reclaiming their status or the "True-Tribunal".
The now dead or missing deities of ALMSIVI - Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil - were dubbed "saints" and ALMSIVI was henceforth known as the "False-Tribunal" as decreed by the New Temple.
Slavery is once again practiced in Morrowind, but now in a lesser degree compared to the previous years. Slavery is only possible when one of the following situations are met.
- An individual is unable to pay for services in gold or possessions.
- An individual is defeated in a duel of honor, and has chosen slavery instead of death.
- An individual is captured during war.
- A criminal receiving a sentence with an option to serve as a slave, instead of spending it on prison.
- An individual surrenders himself/herself as a slave for personal reasons.
The Ashlanders became somewhat respected within the Dunmer society, for being responsible for upholding the Nerevarine Prophecy, even when they were persecuted by the temple. Many of the Ashlanders became priests on the New Temple during the fall of the "False Tribunal." On the events of the Red Year, only the Ashlanders remained on Vvardenfell, fulfilling the role given to them by the Nerevarine, as persecutors of the remnants of Dagoth Ur's remaining forces. When the Nerevarine returned, they received the gratitude of former ally, and was given the opportunity to join his personal army.
Morrowind was originally an agrarian aristocracy, mostly free farmers and herders and fishermen ruled by the Great Houses and their noble councils. After the Imperial occupation, and especially on Vvardenfell, the Dunmer developed a mercantile economy based on the model of the Empire, ruled by the Emperor, law, and legions, but driven by trade in crafts and goods.
Morrowind's production was based on the mining of Kwama Eggs, Ebony, and Raw Glass. Morrowind was considered to have vast supplies of these rare resources beneath Red Mountain, yet these had been barely tapped until the recent defeat of Dagoth Ur, which opened Red Mountain up to expansion in the mining industry.
With the absence of any Imperial force in Morrowind, the economy was once again able to trade freely. Their relations with the people of Valenwood has proved to be more lucrative as goods that are not found on the said country was supplied mainly by Morrowind. Each caravan travelling across Tamriel was heavily guarded, as trading became the foundation of the reborn province.
Morrowind was originally an agrarian aristocracy, mostly free farmers and herders and fishermen ruled by the Great Houses and their noble councils. After the Imperial occupation, and especially on Vvardenfell, the Dunmer developed a mercantile economy based on the model of the Empire, ruled by the Emperor, law, and legions, but driven by trade in crafts and goods.
Morrowind's production was based on the mining of Kwama Eggs, Ebony, and Raw Glass. Morrowind was considered to have vast supplies of these rare resources beneath Red Mountain, yet these had been barely tapped until the recent defeat of Dagoth Ur, which opened Red Mountain up to expansion in the mining industry.
With the absence of any Imperial force in Morrowind, the economy was once again able to trade freely. Their relations with the people of Valenwood has proved to be more lucrative as goods that are not found on the said country was supplied mainly by Morrowind. Each caravan travelling across Tamriel was heavily guarded, as trading became the foundation of the reborn province.
Tamriel, also known as Taazokaan in the Dragon Language and the Arena, is a continent on the world of Nirn in the plane of Mundus. The name "Tamriel" means "Dawn's Beauty" in Aldmeris and "Starry Heart" in Ehlnofex. Tamriel is home to various races and sports multiple climates, ranging from tundra to desert.
Cyrodilic Empire
- Titus Mede II was assassinated in Skyrim, at the end of 201.
- The fourth legion was defeated by the Stormcloaks, it suffered heavy casualties and was disbanded.
- Chancellor Motierre assumed control in 202, however, Cyrodiil was unstable and civil war nearly broke out. The Elder Council was sharply divided in factions, Mede styled assassinations were rampant.
- Gaius Tarius, a Colovian nobleman, exposed Motierre's secret dealings with the Dark Brotherhood. Motierre fled the Imperial City. Tarius was crowned Emperor in 203.
- The Tarius regime took a stronger stance against the Dominion, it attempted to renegotiate the White-Gold Concordat, without success.
- Instead, it engaged in proxy wars by supporting rebels in Elsweyr and Valenwood. Elsweyr successfully removed Thalmor control in 204.
- The Seventh Estate, a shadowy Nibenay organization, has been gaining influence lately.
- The legions' efficiency have been declining, along with their strained budget.
- Imperial ornithologists made several breakthroughs in breeding messenger birds.
Aldmeris Dominion
- Before 4E 201, Thalmor is the ruling body of Alinor, its royalty reduced to figurehead status. The Thalmor also has governors in Elsweyr and Valenwood, both officially advising local authorities but unofficially dictating policies on their behalf.
- In approximately 4E 190, prince Naarin succeeded the throne. However, this was accomplished by assassinating his father and exiling his brother, Aelid. Naarin's secrets remained unknown to most. What was known were his attempts to marginalize Thalmor power, an act that was partially successful.
- Aelid traveled Tamriel for a decade, during which time he gathered a band of followers and mercenaries. Aelid made his way back to the Summerset Isles in 402, he would lead an effective revolt that ousted Naarin in 203.
- While internal conflict raged on their home island, the Mane of Elsweyr struck a deal with the Emperor of Cyrodiil. Because Altmer garrisons in Elsweyr vacated themselves to redeploy back home, the Khajiits were able to root out the Thalmor governorship.
- Order would finally return to Alinor in 204, with joint rule between the royal court and the Thalmor. This new order reinvested in arcane research, established an independent para-military called the Renshi, which incorporated non-elven members. By 205, the Altmers split their efforts on two matters; preventing another Elswyer in Valenwood and rebuilding the Crystal Tower.
- Sidelined Thalmor hardliners are rumored to be plotting a coup.
Elsweyr
A coup happened on Alinor in 202, followed by political instabilities, factionalism among elites and riots that nearly led the island to civil war. In addition, unrest began in Valenwood in 203. Hammerfell is gradually pumping up its military, Redguard generals also done their fair share of saber rattling. Combining all these together, nearly three-quarters of Dominion forces in Elsweyr had been reassigned in 204.
The latest Mane was a Khajiiti traditionalist. Even the Thalmor couldn't trust him as a figurehead, so they put him on pseudo-house arrest. In late 203, a Cyrodiil-born Khajiit by the name of Ab'farahn managed to free the Mane. Together, they rallied influential Khajiits in both the north and south to form the rebellion that quickly removed Thalmor governors in 204.
Between 204 and early 205, Elsweyr enjoyed one year of federal self-rule. However, as he was born in Cyrodiil and has favorable relations with the Imperial City, Ab'farahn, now a general, advised the Mane to enter Elsweyr as a Imperial protectorate. This deal was controversial, but parts of the agreement, such as free trade and joint border patrols, were implemented in early 205. In the 30th of Second Seed, just days before the Mane and Emperor Gaius put down their final signatures in the treaty, the former was assassinated in a banquet in Torval (capital at the time).
It was unknown who killed the mane, the only thing they agreed on was that he was taken out by jarrin root poison. The assassin also slipped variety of poisons into the Mane's guest, causing many of the old guards from the rebellion one year ago to die, fall ill or be publicly embarrassed. Anequina blames Pelletine and Pelletine blames Anequina, and in the blink of an eye, the Khajiits are at war.
When Mid Year comes, Anequina inherited the former deal with Imperial authorities. Imperial "advisers" began pouring in, and their presence gave the north a definite leg-up over Pelletine. Officially, the north wishes to become an Imperial province when they pacify the south, while the south seeks complete independence and some even suggested realigning with Summerset. As of the first week of Sun's Height, Anequina overran Torval and Corinthe. Senchal (last Pelletine stronghold) is currently under siege, as northern ships are coming down from Topal Sea, and their armies marching through Tenmar Forest.
Outside of politics and conflict, Khajiiti astronomers have been sighting strange lunar patterns. This led to some individuals crowning their off-springs as the new Mane, none of them were recognized and many lynched by angry mobs. To make matters worse, bandits and pirates rob honest citizens without worry. Increasing amounts of abductions are happening along coastal settlements.
The latest Mane was a Khajiiti traditionalist. Even the Thalmor couldn't trust him as a figurehead, so they put him on pseudo-house arrest. In late 203, a Cyrodiil-born Khajiit by the name of Ab'farahn managed to free the Mane. Together, they rallied influential Khajiits in both the north and south to form the rebellion that quickly removed Thalmor governors in 204.
Between 204 and early 205, Elsweyr enjoyed one year of federal self-rule. However, as he was born in Cyrodiil and has favorable relations with the Imperial City, Ab'farahn, now a general, advised the Mane to enter Elsweyr as a Imperial protectorate. This deal was controversial, but parts of the agreement, such as free trade and joint border patrols, were implemented in early 205. In the 30th of Second Seed, just days before the Mane and Emperor Gaius put down their final signatures in the treaty, the former was assassinated in a banquet in Torval (capital at the time).
It was unknown who killed the mane, the only thing they agreed on was that he was taken out by jarrin root poison. The assassin also slipped variety of poisons into the Mane's guest, causing many of the old guards from the rebellion one year ago to die, fall ill or be publicly embarrassed. Anequina blames Pelletine and Pelletine blames Anequina, and in the blink of an eye, the Khajiits are at war.
When Mid Year comes, Anequina inherited the former deal with Imperial authorities. Imperial "advisers" began pouring in, and their presence gave the north a definite leg-up over Pelletine. Officially, the north wishes to become an Imperial province when they pacify the south, while the south seeks complete independence and some even suggested realigning with Summerset. As of the first week of Sun's Height, Anequina overran Torval and Corinthe. Senchal (last Pelletine stronghold) is currently under siege, as northern ships are coming down from Topal Sea, and their armies marching through Tenmar Forest.
Outside of politics and conflict, Khajiiti astronomers have been sighting strange lunar patterns. This led to some individuals crowning their off-springs as the new Mane, none of them were recognized and many lynched by angry mobs. To make matters worse, bandits and pirates rob honest citizens without worry. Increasing amounts of abductions are happening along coastal settlements.
Independent States
- Hammerfell is united in an uneasy alliance, between the Crowns and Forebears, under Vanquisher Tamijen. After its treaty with the Dominion, the Redguards focused on defending their independence. Resources were diverted to its navy, and by 204, it had surpassed the Imperial Navy.
- Since relocating to the Dragontail Mountains in early fourth era, Orsinium had a series of leaders, decided by each one's strength in a fight. The current one is Burkash, his reign had a strong religious emphasis, with Malacath completely replacing Trinimac. Within Orsinium, this conversion is absolute and by force, causing Trinimac worshipers to flee for various Strongholds.
Tamrielic Gazette
Originally a collaboration between the Black Horse Courier and the Imperial Express. In the third era, both organizations flourished under governmental patronage, and bolstered by a wide outreach with Empire-wide free trade. However, increasing amount of breakaway provinces greatly reduced its operating efficiency. The roads were more dangerous than ever, inter-provincial trade became scarce and Elder Council funding gradually eroded away. Cut off from their headquarters in Cyrodiil, local offices began operating on their own. The Swiftsong Chronicles of Solitude, the Root’s Whispers of Gideon and the Auriel’s Harold of Auridon are just some of its successors. When the Great War finally ended, and peace prevailed upon Tamriel, information was once again freely transmitted across borders. However, no longer could one press preside over the entire continent, for various newspapers had stabilized into local entities. The editors of the Black Horse Courier was forced to innovate. Instead of a centralized body ruling down, the Courier started a separate news aggregation wing. The Tamrielic Gazette first printed in 4E 181, but the name was actually taken from a similar endeavor that existed during the Interregnum; hence its motto “Since 2E 137”.
The Gazette publishes three times each month, delivered by the Imperial Express and local runners.The editors worked meticulously to secure stories from independent reporters and established agencies alike, the stories range from arcane incidents to weather reports to celebrity gossips.
Large cities like Bruma, Daggerfall and Solitude, pin Gazettes on bulletins for public reading. Readers in remote areas have to subscribe, which would cost anywhere between 3 and 30 gold per copy, depending on the ease of delivery.
The Gazette publishes three times each month, delivered by the Imperial Express and local runners.The editors worked meticulously to secure stories from independent reporters and established agencies alike, the stories range from arcane incidents to weather reports to celebrity gossips.
Large cities like Bruma, Daggerfall and Solitude, pin Gazettes on bulletins for public reading. Readers in remote areas have to subscribe, which would cost anywhere between 3 and 30 gold per copy, depending on the ease of delivery.
Public Enemies
- Pirates: A ship full of valuable goods is a fruit ripe for the picking. On the waters of Nirn, whether that be the Padomaics, the Eltherics or the Sea of Ghosts, pirates languish the lack of naval presence. In fact, the city of Wayrest was taken entirely by Corsairs, making the first pirate republic in history. Out on the open seas, Blaise Dupont is likely a name of dread. Dupont holds over thirty ships of all kinds, while he started small in the Illiac Bay, his operations came to encompass any body of water his ships can float on. In addition, rumors say Dupont allied with a Pahmar-raht called Dar'Nakhet, the infamous sea-raider of Topal Bay.
- Highwaymen Guild: If assassins and thieves can form guilds, why not bandits? This was the mentality behind the funding of the Highwaymen Guild. Like a pack of stray dogs, and unlike true wolves, the highwaymen banded together for co-survival, rather than any underlying loyalty. The guild does not hold formal meetings, has no headquarters or clear cut membership. Those bandits who prescribe to fighting the authority, instead of each other, arrange truths through a loose networks of contacts and enablers. As of 4E 205, the guild exists in all provinces, to varying extents. It probably existed for several years now, but no one has any answers. It doesn't matter how long these scoundrels conspired, but the important thing is how to take them down, and this is another question of uncertain answers.
- Supernal Dreamers: During the Interregnum, a cult of Vaermina devastated Stormhaven, and it was the scourge of the Daggerfall Covenant. Fast forward two eras, a treasure hunter stumbled upon Dawnstar, a sleepless town stricken with nightmares. The treasure hunter would accompany a priest of Mara into a nearby ruin, defeated shadows of the past and betrayed the priest for a daedric artifact. Henceforth, the treasure hunter, now the champion of Vaermina, left a trail of terror wherever she went. Soon, she accumulated not only a record-setting bounty, but also scores of followers, most of whom were devotees of the Weaver of the Panoply. One particular devotee told tales of Supernal Dreamers in the second era. The champion was impressed; so impressed, in fact, that she made her growing cult a namesake. Dreamers of the old were nightmares of Stormhaven, but the champion vowed to become the horror of entire Tamriel.
Nirn is believed to mean "Arena" in Ehlnofex. It floats in the void of Oblivion and is, for all intents and purposes, the majority of the realm known as Mundus. Sources often use the terms Nirn and Mundus synonymously, despite the technical differences in the two terms. Nirn was created during the Dawn Era by the Aedra and Anu-aligned spirits, based on Lorkhan's inspiration and Magnus' designs.
Nirn
[1] The existence of Aldmeris is disputed.
[2] Depictions of Akavir, Thras, Yokuda and Atmora are highly speculative.
Tamriel
Scaling References
[3] Size of Tamriel.
[4] Alternate Analysis
Climate Zones
[5] 4th era scholars attribute "tropical Cyrodiil" to a common transcription error.
Archive
Stories for another time...
Feline Nemesis
by Iron-Pumper, Mercenary/Self-Proclaimed Bard (deceased 4E 203, Bruma)
How Dumhuvud became the Cat-Kicker
On a winter day of 4E 195, eleven soldiers of the Fourth Imperial Legion, a division now defunct but previously a feared fighting force, patrolled the gelid roads of Haafingar. These men and women, half of whom were foreigners from Cyrodiil, while the remaining portion were natives of Skyrim, all cursed their rubbish assignment. Their legion armor was boasted by thick trousers and blouses underneath, and ungainly fur cloaks above. On their feet were the heaviest boots the legate could procure, but even so, some opted to bring their own footwear. The captain did not discipline those with irregular equipment, for even himself wore many to ward off the chill.
Haafingar snowed less frequently than holds of equal latitudes. This week was out of the ordinary. White powders drifted for three days continuous, to an extent where land travel became unfeasible. When the snowstorms finally cleared on the fourth day, citizens had never been happier to see sunlight. Magnus shone bright and magic-rays of Aetherius melted solidified precipitations from the skins of Nirn. They cheered that night, the Winking Skeever held the merriest party rivaling that of New Life festival and Saturalia. People of all ages, all walks of life burned with high spirits inside warm houses. But on the outside, the Earthbones cooled beyond where water flowed.
The fifth was terrible. Melted snow turned to water yesterday, and water froze into ice yesternight. City guards were the first out. Hearing multiple slip and fall incidents in the wee hours of dawn, red chainmail-wearing men took to shoveling stubborn trails. Life went on that day, the cold was enough to maintain ice integrity but not so much as to prohibit travel, should the said traveler readied to brave the winds. So several traders embarked early that day, hoping to secure the next shipment in record time to compensate for three days locked down and one night of lavish consumption. Then the cats struck.
Khajiits were unwelcome in Skyrim, a fact taking no more than five minutes to be apparent. Most Khajiits simply accepted their lot, resigning to mistreatment but compensating with witty tricks and barters. One group of Khajiits were notorious in 195, a band of Alfiqs posing as house cats. See, these individuals would pose as lost kitties, and once the attention and empathy of the unfortunate were garnered, they would strike with powerful incantations and rob their victims blind. The fifth day was when two horse drawn wagons set upon a helpless cat, and the traders ridding along were torched by unknown causes.
The legion was dispatched at once, henceforth we return to Dumhuvud. He was but a fresh recruit, a legionary of the lowest ranking. He fell to the rear, following his captain through perilous slopes, slopes they took as shortcuts, in the name of "saving time". These slopes were slick with ice, they necessitated climbing spikes mounted on the legionaries' boots to safely scale. Alas, after hours of torturous treks, in which many were tired and bruised, the patrol found a lone feline perched atop of a boulder.
"This is the target, we are looking at the infamous highwayman!" The captain said. He unsheathed his gladius, a short sword forged in the searing heat of Imperial City and sharpened through religious maintenance. His troopers followed suit, and soon enough they encircled the cat. Ten legionaries formed the circle, Dumhuvud, a rookie at the time, stood behind his captain and observed. The Alfiq sat on its hind legs, motionless saved for shallow chest heaves, silent except for calm purrs. The Alfiq opened its eyes, purring halted for a split second before a loud meow emitted from its throat, and the legionaries exploded.
Scorching white energy radiated outwards in a ring. It was a perfect loop all around, annihilating all ten legion soldiers. Its power was not mundane, and not common arcane either. Ten armored figures dropped unceremoniously, their churned remains tangled with snow and slush. But Dumhuvud stood behind his experienced peers, safe and sound. The bulky winter outfits of his fellow legionaries were so obstructive, or perhaps it was the Alfiq's overconfidence, the lone Nord lad was not registered. He rocked back in the explosion. The standard-issue sword wrenched from his grip due to the sheer expunging force. Though Dumhuvud stood firm, despite being pushed by what felt like the shouts of the Greybeards, he found himself eye-to-eye with a house cat after the dusts cleared.
A low-ranking member of the Imperial army was issued nothing else than his primary weapon. So when Dumhuvud caught the cat off-guard, he could not capitalize with anything in his hands. The two of them, human and feline, shared a stupefied glance. The Alfiq could not move, a tiny creature such as it exhausted all of its stamina and magicka through one disproportionate endeavor. The Nord, on the contrary, was filled to the brim with rage and hate. Though he was no friend with his captain, nor was he the popular man in the barracks, witnessing so many of his comrades devastated by a single blast lit up a flaming well of vengeance inside. In addition, the young man feared for his own life, the thoughts of enduring a second spell, or worse, enduring the general's ire when he returned alone, defeated, was simply unbearable. Sure, there was naught in his hands that could do harm, there were the perfect tools strapped to his feet.
The ice cleats were jagged and razor-sharp. Troops patrolling during wintertime always took care refraining from stepping on each others' toes. It was knowing what his cleats could do drove Dumhuvud forward in a full sprint. He had nothing in his gloves, he bothered not to scavenge another's weapon. All that mattered was the element of surprise. Anterior of the cat's recovery, the legionary came barreling in. In spite of all the rough terrains hindering his path, he was upon the Alfiq in seconds.
Too late, the lousy escape attempt made by the Alfiq was in vain. Steel-reinforced toe rammed into its rib cage. Something cracked. Dumhuvud was too far in the moment to notice. He kicked again, this time, flipping the Alfiq on its side. Against a small creature such as this Khajiit, a pair of well-placed kicks could be enough to incapacitate. But a soldier like Dumhuvud was conditioned to take no prisoner on the battlefield. To him on that bitter day, it was every bit a battlefield as his predecessors in the Imperial City. So the sole came next, followed by the heel. For four repeats, Dumhuvud gritted his teeth as his boot's teeth crunched down on helpless fur. When he lifted foot for the fifth time, all that persisted were two dozen punctures on something he could barely call cadaver. His kicks ceased, and all Dumhuvud could do was sucking in cold air, which compared to drowning in freezing water.
Later that day, when the sun started to withdraw, a lone legionary would walk through the gates of Solitude. He had multiple packs slung across his back and carried in his arms. But just then, a avaricious member of the Khajiit caravan couldn't help but try to play the weary man. The bi-pedal salesman cat began with a ridiculous low-ball offer, as Dumhuvud shook his head and attempted to ignore the act, a fur-covered paw dipped on his shoulder.
That very Khajiit would come to regret his decision for the rest of his life. Contrary to his beat-up appearance, Dumhuvud was very much alert to the thievery attempt. He caught the paw in one hand, and with the other, whipped the pack across the Khajiit's face. Straps came undone from the pack due to the raw force applied. The Khajiit tripped onto his tail, and as he stared up at the legionary, a wrecked Alfiq corpse rolled down from above. The Khajiit scrambled away in haste, and his companions simply stood around the spectacle. Everyone was shocked speechless.
Imperial officials had a peculiar night. They inquired late passed midnight, scrutinizing every little bit Dumhuvud brought back. For the most part, Dumhuvud's testament remained simple: "I kicked a cat." At three past midnight did Dumhuvud finally realize what the veterans experienced when they spoke of traumatic nightmares. His own was a plethora of strangely terrifying phenomenons; the sole survivor of devastating ambushes, sabre cat jaws wrapped around his throat, and the worst of all were the exact eyes of the dead Alfiq. Drenched in shivery sweat, Dumhuvud leaped up from his cot. The room was eerily vacant, and he could swear he heard purring off in the distance. There was only one way Dumhuvud really coped; violence. With no superiors around, he would thrash his barrack section.
Weeks later, a vague report passed on to someone in the Imperial City. For Dumhuvud, he was promoted. The legates did not tell him why, only that he was now Quaestor in another unit. No mention came of his incident, and to best of his knowledge, it never officially happened. Perhaps it was not to terrify sheepish citizens, after all, who would rest easy knowing their neighbor's cat could be a mass murderer? But in the Khajiit caravans, rumors of a cold-blooded murderer circulated. Among his fresh comrades, the very same rumors also went viral, failing the legates' attempt to cap information. They would tack on him the moniker "Cat-Kicker". At first, Dumhuvud resisted his nickname, but when the general himself started calling him "Quaestor Cat-Kicker", he knew the designation was stuck for good; Nords do not shed titles earned in combat.
Maybe he eventually prided himself for his name. Perhaps it evoked a sense of survival. But if anyone dared to mock him for it, he would handle it the good old fashion way; getting angry. Because Shor knows insults tend to end jokes outright, and a fight or a few frowns later, few stayed to ridicule.
Compiled by Anuriel, steward to jarl Laila Law-Giver, as part of the high king's effort to catalog obscure groups of Skyrim
Revision currently underway by royal scribes, in order to create an impartial version free from Anuriel's Bosmer bias
Revision currently underway by royal scribes, in order to create an impartial version free from Anuriel's Bosmer bias
Name: Forenya Bosmeri ("Northern Tree-People")
Type: Racial Clan
Leadership:
Eridor
Faurinthil
Adanel
Cora ("leader") of the clan.
Faurinthil
Wise man and healer of the clan.
Adanel
Cuarsae ("leaf-guard") of the clan, daughter of Faurinthil.
Prominent Supporting Members:
Nimphaneth
Menelras
Brelas
Apprentice healer of the clan, daughter of Eridor.
Menelras
Weapons craftsman of the clan, spouse of Calithil.
Brelas
Head merchant.
Function(s): The daily life of a Bosmer varies depending on the role that he or she plays within the clan. However, one thing is certain: all members of Forenya Bosmeri are expected to contribute in some meaningful way. Members of the Cuarsae will spend their days surveying the surrounding area and ensuring the security of the Clan. Hunters provide meat and hides for the Clan. During prosperous times, mainly the late Spring and Summer months, the clan produces a surplus which is traded to nearby Riften under the supervision of Brelas. Even young children can find something useful to do by catching field mice and returning them to an adult in exchange for coin.
When the sun sets, the entire clan may gather to discuss news, politics, or other internal affairs. The Clan operates through an oligarchic form of government, although all members of the Clan may express their views to the council, which consists of the Cora, Elders, and the leaders of the Cuarsae. Other times, the conversation is much more light-hearted and mainly consists of traditional stories, songs, and poetry. (This is especially true during holidays when the clan may celebrate with Jagga and Rotmeth, two traditional, Bosmeri alcoholic drinks that are made from fermented meat juices.)
Externally, the Clan rarely has contact with the outside world. Aside from trade, the Bosmeri are entirely self-sufficient and notoriously elusive. The Bosmeri prefer to remain secluded, although this should not lead one to believe that they are xenophobic or anti-social. In fact, most Bosmeri clans are welcoming to outsiders.
Finance: 250 Septims
As stated above, the Clan remains largely self-sufficient, and, therefore, isolated. However, the council does store some reserves of Septims for clan emergencies that require the hand of the outside world. This is accomplished through fur and meat trade with Riften or mercenary contracts with wealthy nobles.
Military Power: It is well known that Bosmer are among the most accomplished archers in all of Tamriel. At any given time, the clan can offer 8 - 12 archers. Members of the Cuarsae are also equipped with specialized swords fashioned from the bones of animals. In times of war, Bosmeri clans have been known to rely on tactics of guerilla warfare, and are especially deadly in heavily forested settings.
Outside Relations: Most of Skyrim perceives Bosmeri clans as savages, barbarians, and otherwise unsavory characters. They are regularly likened to bandits, and most people who travel through the Southern Rift are warned that they should travel with caution. In reality, the clan is mostly peaceful unless provoked.
Base: The main settlement, and also where the clan resides for the majority of the year, is somewhere amid the Jerral Mountains. The quaint, autumnal forests of this region are ideal hunting grounds for the Bosmeri, rich with game such as bear, fowl, elk, and wild boar. A typical settlement may contain anywhere from 5 - 10 mobile structures called wigwams. The frames are constructed using bone, which is then covered with a thick layer of animal hide. They can be easily disassembled and then reassembled. Occasionally, the clan will purchase lumber from Riften, however, this does not violate the Green Pact since the wood is already dead.
In addition, the clan up-keeps three outposts throughout the remainder of Skyrim. These are mainly used as rest stops for traveling hunters and emissaries of the clan.
Motives: The clan does not wish to "climb" or gain power. Quite simply, the clan's main goals involve living undisturbed by the Thalmor, Nords of Skyrim, and the Imperials alike. The clan is a story of a culture's struggle to survive in an increasingly hostile world. However, the younger members of the clan agree that dark omens have revealed themselves on multiple occasions, creating problems that cannot be solved using outdated methods of neutrality and isolationism.
History: In the days before the crowning of the Dragonborn, the Aldmeri Dominion was in the process of carrying out a series of "purges" in Valenwood. In their attempts to establish Mer as the superior race of Tamriel, the Aldmeri Dominion reasoned that they must be genetically superior to their human counterparts as well. Tests were administered to each of the clans in Valenwood. As a result, entire clans were slaughtered overnight when the Altmer deemed that their blood was "impure," or too distanced from the noble lineage of Old Aldmeris. Many clans had no choice but to flee Valenwood in search of places where the Thalmor were less influential. For one clan, Skyrim was the ideal place.
Although the Nords disliked the Bosmer just as much as their Altmer cousins, the leaders of the clan knew that living in a place that harbored such bitter resentment towards mer would reduce the threat of the Thalmor. This clan settled in the Jerrall Mountains, and named themselves Forenya Bosmeri, speaking the old Ayleidic tongue. Ever since, they have existed peacefully, but they do not lie to themselves. The steady beat of war drums grows louder every day.
Note: Classified as type 2, potentially hostile. Recommend further armed surveilence and infiltration. Bosmeri male "Daelin" is currently the only known expatriate, he is working under security contrator Ashav.
By @Peik
An insight into 'The Death of Fargothur'
-By Faldan Faidra, Professor of Bosmer Literature in the University of Colovia
The Death of Fargothur (or in some translations, Fargoth-Ur), also known as the Barber of Woodhearth, is a text that is estimated to have first originated around 4E 205, based upon the assassination of Fargothur (or as Thalmor resources name him, Fargwithir), the infamous Viceroy of Woodhearth in whose reign the indigenous tribes of Gwiralith and Faraimith were destroyed, causing the deaths of an estimated fifteen thousand native Bosmer. The poem is both a review of historical events, a source of information on the ways of the Fourth Era Bosmer natives, and a cautionary tale to what happens to Bosmer who betray their own kin - and thus become unworthy of death and consumption by their brethren's hands.
According to surviving records, such as the testimony of the barber himself (referred to as 'Sadri Beleth' by Thalmor prison records, and 'Sadari Bwalith' by a Bosmer bill of sale), and a passing reference to in the Tamrielic Gazette, the event is nowhere as glamorous and self-sacrificial. But this doesn't seem to have stopped insurgent organizations, such as the 'Fangs of the Wild Hunt', to spin the tale to rouse other Bosmer into revolting.
Sadari Bwalith unceremoniously falls out of history upon this event, possibly executed by the Thalmor for his deed. It is also possible that he was amongst those saved from Thalmor custody in the Great Escape of the Seven-Roots Dungeon. It should be noted that some of the surviving journals of Madura Dalas of the Tamrielic Gazzette refer to a crippled Dunmer fighting against the Snow Demons of Kamal in the Siege of Windhelm, and one possible translation of his name is Sadri Beleth. It is unknown if they are the same historical person.
Without further ado, the text is presented below.
‘’Sit down and listen, my boys, listen, by the fire,
Hear what happens to those who earn the Pact’s ire.
It was about a while ago, a decade or maybe more,
Yet despite two centuries, our wounds were still sore.
But the Green God’s patient, his plans unknown,
When they come to pass, and when they’re first sown.
It was by Woodhearth, in a hot, fateful day of summer,
When came out the sea, from amongst the fish, a Dunmer
His fishers were excited to get a taste of such meat,
Quick they took him back, lest the flies and the heat
Would’ve had the Dark Elf quickly rotten and spoiled,
And ruined that for which they had so hardly toiled.
Yet by Arkay’s grace, at night the Dunmer woke,
And mere steps from the cauldron, somehow he spoke,
For their newfound guest, our people cooked deer,
And for his unexpected awakening, the old seer
Said that the Green God had a role for him to play
Perhaps great games to play, perhaps monsters to slay
Yet the Dunmer, half blind in eye and in mind,
Did not take these words upon him all very kind,
Thanking for the deer, by dawn he quickly left,
But he could not get far, with his pockets so bereft,
He looked for a job in the city, hard pressed,
He saw the suffering of our ashamed and oppressed.
Hungry, like us, he put his sleight of hand to use,
And as a barber, from rags to riches, took a cruise
Fargothur, the Kinslayer Tyrant, heard of his fame,
And asked for the barber to serve him, lest in shame
The Dunmer would have been flayed and trampled,
His name, like his body, forgotten and crumpled,
The dinner turned barber knew then what was coming,
And sharpened his razor, very first thing in the morning
He said Fargothur’s hairs were bristle, like of a goat,
For this, the razor pressed hard against his throat,
And a moment saw to a long cut go in too deep,
And like a flooding wild river did tyrant blood seep,
Thus the betrayer of kin, despite all, died under
The hand of not even a fellow Bosmer but a Dunmer.’’
Hear what happens to those who earn the Pact’s ire.
It was about a while ago, a decade or maybe more,
Yet despite two centuries, our wounds were still sore.
But the Green God’s patient, his plans unknown,
When they come to pass, and when they’re first sown.
It was by Woodhearth, in a hot, fateful day of summer,
When came out the sea, from amongst the fish, a Dunmer
His fishers were excited to get a taste of such meat,
Quick they took him back, lest the flies and the heat
Would’ve had the Dark Elf quickly rotten and spoiled,
And ruined that for which they had so hardly toiled.
Yet by Arkay’s grace, at night the Dunmer woke,
And mere steps from the cauldron, somehow he spoke,
For their newfound guest, our people cooked deer,
And for his unexpected awakening, the old seer
Said that the Green God had a role for him to play
Perhaps great games to play, perhaps monsters to slay
Yet the Dunmer, half blind in eye and in mind,
Did not take these words upon him all very kind,
Thanking for the deer, by dawn he quickly left,
But he could not get far, with his pockets so bereft,
He looked for a job in the city, hard pressed,
He saw the suffering of our ashamed and oppressed.
Hungry, like us, he put his sleight of hand to use,
And as a barber, from rags to riches, took a cruise
Fargothur, the Kinslayer Tyrant, heard of his fame,
And asked for the barber to serve him, lest in shame
The Dunmer would have been flayed and trampled,
His name, like his body, forgotten and crumpled,
The dinner turned barber knew then what was coming,
And sharpened his razor, very first thing in the morning
He said Fargothur’s hairs were bristle, like of a goat,
For this, the razor pressed hard against his throat,
And a moment saw to a long cut go in too deep,
And like a flooding wild river did tyrant blood seep,
Thus the betrayer of kin, despite all, died under
The hand of not even a fellow Bosmer but a Dunmer.’’
Unpublished posts; they are considered canon.
Report by Daelin, to be analyzed and forwarded to Nordic High Command by—
Screw the generals. No bonus, no report.
Screw the generals. No bonus, no report.
At present, Tennant had elected to stay on guard at the small campsite that the night-time patrol had set up. While this particular mission of his certainly valued Stealth, in which he was something of an amateur disciple, he recognised that taking the initiative in sneaking up to huge groups of heavily-armed fanatics was not a very wise move.
Instead, he chose to watch the clear, non-rocky and generally non-dangerous path that connected the small camp to the outside world, wearing his tunic and sitting on a rock with a legless wooden stool he had 'borrowed' from the main camp. The purpose of which was, of course, to carve things into with his File. His face trying to remain expressionless but occasionally grimacing in a mixture of anticipation and frustration, he was attempting to draw an Alfiq; partially inspired by the phases of Masser and Secunda that night (that was hard to make out with all the clouds), but mostly due to a certain bastard back at the camp.
He'd heard that said bastard, Dumhuvud 'Cat-Kicker', his name was, had taken that name from kicking an Alfiq so hard that its organs flew out. Alfiq were ferocious in their own right, Do'Zaddha had told him, mostly due to their small size and nimble persuasion. But nonetheless, Tennant knew all too well mankind's obsession with size; bigger is better, many Nords imply just before they buy a huge, impractical sword that will only throw them off-balance. Thus, alerting him to the fact that he had apparently killed a small and visually unimpressive subspecies of Khajiit (and to be perfectly frank, Tennant doubted he even did that; didn't seem to have the, as they say, balls) would hopefully humble him. Or just annoy him. Either outcome was desirable. Tennant could have just told him, but it would carry extra weight if he was presented with a picture of a motherly instinct-inspiring little cub.
Of course, these thoughts and his ever-present alertness to any possible danger that might jump out of the bushes were interfering with his lackluster carving abilities, and the Alfiq was turning out to be somewhat... blocky.
Jorwen slipped through the curtain of saw grass, brushing a few poking blades of it from his face as he came through. In the firelight, shadow cast over the angles of his face, he looked every bit the evil or shadowy warrior he was in the stories from the Civil War. Which was good, because in those same stories, it was about now he started needing to piss and hoping to the Gods above everyone came out the other side none the worse when they went in. It wasn't always the case, but when is it ever? As Ulfric once said, is any man ready to give the order that leads to the death of so many men? Even so, someone has to, and it's a war. He took a breath in and let it out, looking around at the assembled mish-mash of faces around the fire. Some hard, some not, but they were all trusting in the other to hold his own. Best not let anyone down now. "I trust Cleftjaw gave you the short of it." He said, some nodded, some just looked at him, waiting for the order they knew was coming, "There's Reachmen down there and some witless bastard's using the road and fixing to get a cut throat. We're going to have to do something about that."
He crouched down on one knee and pulled his smallest knife, using the back of it to scratch a little map of the road, marked their position with a coin he produced from a pocket and the Reachman camp with a little stone. "They've most likely got someone watching the road, most likely from here," and he sprinkled some pebbles along the road to represent a rocky outcropping next to it and the tumbledown wall that followed the road, "It's for this reason we're going to have to be quiet. We'll let Cleftjaw and Thrice-Pierced go in, check the outcropping and once they let us know it's clear, we'll move." He pointed around at White-Eye, Thrice-Pierced, Cleftjaw, and Red-Shirt, "You four will meet up and come in from the south while Tennant, Lucex and Sadri will come with me in from the east. Hopefully, we'll stay downwind. Thrice-Pierced has been a while from a bath." He tried at a joke to lighten the mood.
"Alright." Jorwen nodded, meeting each of them in the eye. "Check your weapons over. Won't be too happy if something breaks while we're down there. Reckon you won't either." At that, they set to minding their different tools. Checking armor, checking weapons, talking to each other, psyching themselves up or dousing their nerve. Jorwen didn't blame any for having them, nerves, but he was always taught the best thing you can do with fear is make like you don't have it. Got to have fear for courage to come.
The plan had gone well so far. Far better than he thought it would, but he'd had plenty raids behind him. Most likely he had a fair few to look forward to as well. Tennant, Lucex and Sadri were huddled with him behind the cover of trees, swaddled up in the blackness of the shadows, all of them making less noise than the scurrying mouse. Looking at the Reachmen from this distance didn't do well for him. Watching them mill about their camp made them look just like men, just like them back at their own mercenary camp of fifty-some. Which they were, was the sad part. But it was them or the poor sod coming down the road. The sun had fallen below the mountains since they'd moved out from their little camp, lending darkness to them. They were waiting for their moment around then. Patience, it's one hell of a weapon in the right hands.
Somewhere to their left, White-Eye was leading his lot through the trees and were waiting for- "Fucking Reach bastards!" Thrice-Pierced and Red-Shirt burst from the bushes, Red-Shirt sticking one on the end of his spear and Thrice-Pierced splitting one from shoulder to sternum. In all the excitement, the fire was smothered when someone kicked dirt over it and cast the whole clearing in darkness.
Jorwen growled and waved his lot to standing before he was off, hoping they'd got the hint and were following close behind. He was in the thick of it now and he swung his blade in a great reaping arc around him, shearing one's head to pieces and catching another on the backswing. It was a moment after he hoped neither of them were on his side as the fight went on all around him.
Lucex danced around the edges of the fight; it wasn't his job to get punched in the face. Drawing a shiny steel arrow from his quiver, the half orc lined up a shot at the nearest reachman. He imagined the wild man as a rabid animal, seeing as the man was already dressed in rather primal-looking armor and shouting shamanistic war cries, it wasn't too hard.
TWANG
The archer's hands released and the arrow flew to its target. Lucex watch the man knee over, he wasn't sure if he had hit him straight in the face or in the eye, stupid darkness was making it a tiny bit hard too see, but the Foresworn had crumpled to his feet. He wouldn't be doing anything for a while, even more so if he, Divines forbid, tried to pull out the arrow. Notching in another arrow, Lucex almost felt bad for killing them like animals, almost.
Meanwhile, though it was clear to Tennant that the brutish ways of these weapon-using warriors expected him to charge forth into the fray, using his body as little more than a battering ram, he had other plans. Do'Zaddha had always relayed to him stories of using one's environment and circumstances to one's advantage; dishonourable, perhaps, but a necessary evil when one's life is on the line.
Thus, once the fire had been extinguished, the fighter crouched below, doing his best to hide his large form, and encircled the average-sized clearing to get into a little peninsula attached to the main clearing, flanked by a Reachmen on one side and a tent on the other.
The Reachman in question was about to attack his comrades, but seemed momentarily disoriented by the sudden darkness. Taking advantage of this, Tennant spread his hands in front of him and practically pounced on the unsuspecting soldier. Grabbing him by the mouth to muffle his strange talk, Tennant proceeded to swiftly lift his knee directly into his spine, causing him to arch back. This was soon followed by a stomp on the back of his exposed leg, making him drop to his knees with a crunch and another muffled screech. Finally, the enemy's head at around stomach-height, Tennant gripped on his head even tighter with the full force of his arms, the pressure of which eventually causing him to pass out and flop to the ground.
Honorable Jarl Skald,
I have recorded a suspicious conversation between two rowdy mercenaries. I believe individuals of their company are generally disruptive to town order as a whole. Therefore, I deliver this letter as a petition for the company's removal from Dawnstar settlement limits.
After leaving Sevine alone with her thoughts, Leif headed back inside Windpeak Inn, and just as he stepped foot inside, he didn't even have time to let out a fart before a woman came screaming his name, and knocked him backwards into a table, spilling the contents onto the wooden floors. Several patrons at the bar turned their heads to see what the source of the commotion was, and once they discerned it, most of them turned their heads back around, grumbling about how a Dunmer woman, dressed as she was, shouldn't be acting like a harlot in public. Then again, what was it to them?
The first impression that came to his mind, was that she was a dearly, devoted fanatic to his bard songs of old, of course, that would be him feeling quite prideful. Yet, as he looked up into a pair of crimson red eyes, Leif's jaw dropped in surprise at the sight of a familiar face, one that he thought that he would never see again. Scantily clad in her undergarments, Leif beheld the woman before him. It was none other than Kaliri Uviria, the woman that had served alongside Sevine, and him in the civil war. Hooking one arm around her waist, Leif pushed himself onto his feet, and sat her down on her own two feet as gingerly as setting down a newborn babe in a crib. He knew that she suffered from some type of disorder where she feared sleep, and often times wandered around in a hallucinating world of horrors.
"Kaliri! Of course I'm alive! I... What are you doing out and about like this?" He asked, concern hanging onto every word, not certain if she knew that she was stalking about Dawnstar in her undergarments. His hand flew to his pack, where he fumbled around for a cloak he had stashed inside. Yielding, he withdrew a grey woolen cloak, and draped it about her shoulders, pulling the fabric around her to conceal her exposed body. "Why are you here in Dawnstar? You weren't caught up in the siege at Windhelm, were you?" He inquired, his eyes searching her face for answers. Like Windhelm, Dawnstar was notorious for its harsh climate, and even in Sun's Height, there was still snow far up on the hills in the distance, and out to sea, if he squinted hard enough, he could spot chunks of icebergs.
Kaliri blinked, looking down. "Oh." She coughed awkwardly, unsure of what to do now. "Well uh, I arrived near Windhelm a couple days ago, but the city was... under siege by Kamals? I got your letter! Figured I may as well pay another visit to the land of frostbite and angry trolls. Besides, Crowns and Forebears are bickering again, y'know, the usual." She glanced around uncertainly, now keenly aware of her decided lack of clothing and gratefully accepted the offer of a cloak. "But yes I got to Windhelm, within sight of it anyway, and saw the siege. I didn't feel like going down in a blaze of glory against them so I made an ahem, tactical advance, directly away from them. I ran to Dawnstar as fast as I could - I must've shed enough weight to clone myself. Or something. Metaphorical speech, you know how it works, oh bard-y one."
Several of the inn's patrons were watching her now, and she blushed, her knuckles tightening around the hilt of her sword and the letter now crumpled in her hand. "How about we ah, continue in my room?" She began walking before stopping abruptly, "Not like that! I have clothes and stuff I just... oh come on already!" She briskly walked back into the room, hurriedly throwing on her robe and a pair of boots. "Right, yes. Now that I don't look like a tavern girl on the first day on the job..." She handed Leif his letter, "I got this and came north, took a minor detour in Winterhold. I'm a wanted criminal there now, so I wouldn't suggest trying any romantic walks along the ruined coastline, unless prisons are your thing. Anyway, I got here and it'd been over a week since I'd slept, so I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. I rented a room for three days, and just woke up now." She blushed again, "I ah, might have panicked when I remembered Windhelm had been attacked."
Following Kaliri into her room the she had rented, Leif took the letter into his hand, his eyes sweeping over the faded black ink. The letter had been read, and folded countless times, giving him the impression that she had read the letter several times over. The letter was from him, and read as follows:
Dearest Kaliri,
It has been nigh upon a year since I last heard from you, I think of you often, and wonder where you are nowadays. Are you here in Skyrim, or have you gone to other places, on to Cyrodiil, or even back to Morrowind perhaps? I miss your gentle bantering, and even more so, hearing the sound of your voice in my presence. I have since returned to Windhelm after the war ended to my family's home. If you ever wish to visit me, go to Candlehearth Hall, and ask the barkeep for directions. You will always be a welcome guest in my home, and in my bed if you ever so desire or the need overtake you for some manly loving; although, I pray tell that you read this in my voice, and don't think ill of me for my suggestive nature. You know me best of all. I have not heard from, nor seen our good friend, Sevine, since the end of the war either. I do miss her just as well, and for the hope of good fortune, I yearn for the day where we are all united under the same roof once again.
Many Blessings, and May Talos Guide You
Leif Ravenstone
P.S. If you do happen to pass through Windhelm, please bring some bottles of Sujamma!
Upon reading the familiar words that he had written to her, just four months ago, Leif's eyes brightened at the post-script. He folded the letter up carefully and handed it back over to her for sake-keeping. "Well, did you bring me a bottle?" He teased playfully, moving to take a seat in the room's only chair.
Reclining back in the chair, Leif watched her with half-lidded eyes, "I do say. You have never looked better, Kaliri dear. I suppose the run from Windhelm would be a factor to consider in that." Here he mused quietly, reflecting back on the past days' events, chewing mechanically on his lower lip. "Yes... We barely escaped ourselves. The Kamals, as the Akaviri call them, are Snow-Demons. They appeared in the bay of Windhelm, just days before, on the 3rd or the 2nd of Sun's Height, I can't seem to recall exactly when, forgive me, these past few days have been erratic. The Kamals have already taken over a mill just west of Windhelm, I'm not sure if you know the place, Anga's Mill? I'm worried that they'll be heading further in-land before we can stop them." Groaning as he ran his hands through his hair, Leif wondered if the encroachment of the Kamals signaled an end-of-times? To him, it truly felt like the whole world was coming down around him. For Talos' sake, he had to abandon his home, of which he was certain, was destroyed by now, or the items inside looted, or perhaps the whole house had burned to the ground. He was even more uncertain if he would ever live to return to see if it still stood. He had had the chance to talk to his old mates from The Courtesan, perhaps he could catch a ride with them again, and set out sailing, if it ever came to him needing a home. Leif wielded a large amount of pride for his historic home in the Gray Quarter, it had been passed down through several generations of his family, and one day, if he ever got the chance, he would have liked to bring his first bride home... well, to an actual home.
"I'm not surprised that you got yourself into trouble, in Winterhold. Those folks up there are backwards in their thinking, most are still suspicious of the Mages there. So what have you been up to since the war ended? Meandering about Skyrim all this time, causing chaos like you do best?" Cracking a teasing grin, Leif propped his arm up on the side table, and cradled his chin in one hand, watching her all the while.
Tamrielic Gazette; the newspaper and ongoing world events.
Sun's Height 2nd, 4E 205
Skyrim Edition | 5 Septims
"Where is my alembic!?"
Those were the last words of Tolfdir, master alteration wizard. According to staff members at the College of Winterhold, he passed away at the age of 99.
News
Falkreath, Skyrim: Unrest and riots in the populace! Jarl Denegeir of Stuhn blames "Imperial Agents" and "Orc Provocateurs" for troubles in his hold. Despite Denegeir's rash claims, our informants have spotted a higher-than-average amount of Orcs in the hold.
Fort Dawnguard, Skyrim: Emperor's envoys visiting the vampire hunters were killed, upon reaching the fort. They were tailed by a band of vampires, who also killed off a portion of the Dawnguards. After the vampires were put down, their remains indicated them as Cyodiilic in origin.
The Reach, Skyrim: The Reach campaign netted mixed results, while the Nordic forces gained grounds, the cost was high. Overall, the high king and his allies suffered greater loss than the Forsworns. In addition, Reachmen from High Rock are streaming into Skyrim by the droves.
Cyrodiil: A disease called the Cyrodiilic Disconnect is spreading. The infected reported out of body experinces and feeling of their soul being drained away. So far, no fatalities.
High Rock: The newly elected high king of greater High Rock, Ferrand Bellemont, issued an ultimatum to Ambrose Mackin, the pirate lord of Wayrest; leave Wayrest or die.
Orsinium: The largest forge in Orsinium suffered a massive break-in, many high-quality weapons, jewelries and blacksmithing tools were stolen. Some of the suspects were last seen crossing the Hammerfell border.
Elsweyr: The North's campaigns were successful in taking the majors cities. However, both sides suffered equally high amounts of casualties. Anequina captured Torval from Pelletine, the rapid maneuver employed by northern forces are becoming known as the "Lightning War". Senchal now stands alone for Pelletine.
Stormhold, Black Marsh: A pan-Tamrielic summit just concluded, details of this summit will be included in our next report.
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Stormhold, Black Marsh: An Argonian had an uncontrolled transformation last night, the werecrocodile killed off more than two dozen citizens before disappearing. The werecreature's identity was unknown, though there were rumors about the Argonian "prince"; Stalks-The-Stars.
Malabal Tor, Valenwood: Redguard naval vessels appeared on scene after devastating battles between the Imperial backed separatists and the Alinori backed loyalists. Reports indicate the navy of Hammerfell is currently occupying several former Dominion shipyards in north-western coastlines. Several witness report Dominion ships captured by the Redguards.
Stros M'Kai: A massive naval battle occurred off the coasts of Stros M'Kai, hundreds of vessels from Hammerfell and Summerset clashed in a epic struggle. Dominion forces prevailed in the end, and Stros M'Kai is now under their occupation. Over one-hundred ships and thousands of bodies now rest under the Eltheric.
Padamaic Ocean: Numerous strange vessels have been spotted by different sources.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
Music: A song of mockery? Our critics have varying opinions on The Troll's Yodel by bard Edward Hill. (more on page 5)
Food: Our brave tasters sample S'riracha's hot sauce!
(Find your hot sauce coupon on the back page!)
Outdoors: Breton boatmaker debuts new douche-canoe. (see illustration on page 9)
Geology: Knight Walks-the-Sky weighs in on Alik'r sand. Is it coarse? Rough? Irritating? Does it get everywhere? (find out on page 8)
Sun's Height 19th, 4E 205
Skyrim Edition | 5 Septims
Blood Moon Ends!
The continent-wide bloodmoon ended on the 17th. Speculations are that Alinor manipulated lunar patterns to intimadate Khajiits out of their alliance with Cyrodiil. New "moon lottery" draws the ire of Khajiits.
News
Elsweyr: Senchal, the last stronghold of pro-independence Pelletine, was overran following a two-week siege. The Anequina general leading the assault was Ri’Nhazi-Do. Casualties were staggering for both sides. Citizens in Senchal continued to resist even after the mayor surrendered; hundreds were massacred as retaliation. Many interviewed likened Senchal to a slaughterhouse.
Dozens have been abducted from Elsweyr coasts as strange ships are sighted from the far south.
Skyrim: Rumors surrounding the High King’s death were confirmed by one his guards last week. The guard, fearing for his exposure, refused to share any details regarding the Dragonborn’s sudden demise. Whiterun jarl Balgruuf called for a moot, but Stormcloak hardliners, led by General Manis, disregarded this. The moot is nearing completion, with Balgruuf, Elisif and Sorli. Dengeir of Stuhn attended only as an observer, as his government in Falkreath was overthrown by Rebels led by Svari Ice-Heart. Meanwhile, Manis declared himself generalissimo of the Nordic Army, took over the Reach (with troops previously assigned against Forsworns) and abducted Laila to pressure other jarls. Maven Black-Briar capitalized on Laila's abduction and led a coup with the help of the Thieves Guild and Penitus Oculatus agents, succeeding in crowning herself jarl.
Skald remains behind to monitor the Kamal battlefront, he is tentatively cooperating with the White River Braves. The Orc stronghold of Narzulbur in Eastmarch was wiped out by snow demons, causing other strongholds to declare war against the Kamal. A second wave of refugees have fled occupied Windhelm. These people were part of a failed citizen uprising when pit fighter Tennant Ibnazh challenged a Kamal officer to unarmed combat, almost won and beaten to death by lesser Kamals (a Dunmer werewolf called Relmyna also gave her life in the process). The uprising was eventually put down, and those failing to escape were killed and dumped into sea. Two days later, five hundred Dunmer armigers entered Eastmarch and allied with the Kamals. The armiger commander was installed as the military governor of occupied territories. There is no declaration of war or comments of any kind from the Nerevarine.
Both Manis and Balgruuf urged for the utmost effort in repelling the invaders. However, they have only sent token forces to Eastmarch as loyalist guards and hardline Stormcloaks took up positions against each other. The northern half of Eastmarch is currently occupied, with Mixwater Mill, Fort Kastav, Steamcrag Camp and Nightgate Inn as frontline. 2000 Kamals and 500 Dunmers form an invasion force of 2500. The resistance led by the Braves numbers around 1500.
Cyrodiil offered support by no words on whether that is accepted or not.
Dragontail Mountains: Orcs from Orsinium and beyond attack the Redguard town of Dragon Gate, in retaliation for a massive theft of their forges last month. The suspects have crossed into Hammerfell. Orsinium's demand for an investigation was rewarded with only condescending rhetoric from Redguard officials. As a result, over 1000 Orc warriors razed Dragon Gate and killed every Redguard there (including children and elderly).
Leading the Orc attack was the chieftain of Mors Yalgrond, Lurbuk. In an exclusive interview, he cites his predecessor, Orakh, as inspiration.
(Are you an Orc not feeling the "warrior's death"? Come to Kurog's Retreat near Jehanna. Best retirement property four years in a row; no punks on your lawn guaranteed or your money back!)
Hammerfell: Redguard dictator Temijen declares war against the Orcs as a result, they also mobilize against the Dominion, because of battle of Stros M'Kai and the situation in Valenwood. His action caused rifts in the forced Forebear-Crown alliance. Widespread conscription have already caused insular tribes and knight orders to cut ties with Sentinel.
Black Marsh: Thorn has fallen to what is assumed to be Akaviri invaders. Confused refugees claim being beset on by "snakes and monkeys". The Great Houses of Morrowind formally declared war on Argonia three days after, their reasons are decades of raids and bizarre deaths on Vvardenfell. Morrowind made no comments regarding southern Akaviri forces but is widely believed to be collaborating.
Saxhleel priest comments on the duty of every Argonian. (more on next page)
Cyrodiil: Imperial ornithologists unveiled their magic-infused messenger birds. One was used by Maven to contact Cyrodiil. These birds can fly 1.5 times faster than regular pigeons and traverse twice the standard distance. The wing augmenting formula is code-named "Red Minotaur".
Emperor Gaius is paralyzed following a failed assassination. The Nibenese secret society known as the Seventh Estate (rumored to be vampires), is the prime suspect. Individuals associated with the assassins broke out prisoners from Imperial City prison. Known escapees include Caius Speculatus, a former guard captain now likely to be working with the Seventh Estate. The Elder Council has reissued death sentence for Caius.
Since it's coverage in our last issue, the disease known as Cyrodilic Disconnect have claimed its first fatalities. Dozens are dead across the Imperial Province, their corpses resembling the victims of soul trap. It is unknown where this disease originated or why it does not spread to other regions. Alchemist Angela Venarius, a native of Chorrol, managed produce a working cure. However, Venarius has flee for Daggerfall following compensation disagreement with the count.
Morrowind: The Nerevarine' sole appearance was declaring martial law on Vvardenfell. Foreigners are barred from the island. He said all Dunmers fighting for foreign powers will be striped of citizenship.
The Nerevarine's attempt to manufacture war golems backfires. A refurbished Dwemer factory exploded, killing majority of the engineers. Though officials have no comments, an anonymous source blame Argonian saboteurs. (A full op-ed will be in our upcoming magazine, the Tamrielic Guess It)
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High Rock: Allied Breton forces extends siege against Wayrest. Pirate lord Ambrose Mackin repotedly escaped blockade with his old accomplice, Blase Dupont. Troop movements suggest the allies are gearing up to take the city.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
Music: A song of clemency. Petition for pardoning Felix aep Caileach (born Trentius); a bard, traitor, mercenary and first to fall against the Kamals. (more on page 5)
Celebrity: Shocking! Redguard bard Cristoffer Braun admits to beating spouse! (more on page 4)
Home & Gardening: Enchanters HATE him! Discover how an Argonian peasant put THREE enchantments on his pitchfork with ONE SIMPLE TRICK!
Sports: The journey from adoring fan to champion gladiator. (more on page 8)
Weather: Analysis of northern blizzards in warm seasons. (more on back page)
Sun's Height 26th, 4E 205
Skyrim Edition | 5 Septims
Fire Across the Marshes!
Black Marsh enters full-scale (no pun intended) war. Argonian monarch Rules-with-Claw mobilizes an entire race for the frantic defense of his homeland. The Hist'ee, the mythical temple of the hist, utilizes hist sap to augment fighters and reverse engineered devices from the Umbra Crisis to strengthen the call to arms. The Shadowscales have taken on pirates preying on foreign volunteers. Two pirate captains were killed and five of their ships have been sunk in Topal Bay, while up to a dozen Argonians assassins died. The An-Xileel made desperate alliances with were-crocodile packs and Naga tribes. During the bloodmoon weeks, Argonian fighters willingly became were-creatures and took advantage of the power afforded by this unnatural phenomenon.
Black Marsh's enemies struck from multiple fronts. Akaviris, now widely believed to be the ape-like Tang Mo and the snake-like Tsaesci, seized Thorn through a seaborne landing on the 7th. Stormhold, previously sacked by Morrowind and later returned to Argonia in an armistice, was recaptured by Morrowind Armigers and house Dres lancers. While war has been declared by Morrowind for almost two weeks, the relationship between Akavir and Morrowind has not been officially confirmed or denied. Various sources have confirmed Akaviri ships resupplying and trading at Tear harbor. Dunmers and the orientals are rumored to be exchanging weapons and tactics. Both sides have been pushing inland in what analysts believe are attempts to connect Thorn and Stormhold. However, Argonian resistance have denied all attempts so far. Dunmers and Akaviris are resorting to burning everything in their paths, including sacred hist trees.
Around the 20th, Soulrest was completely destroyed (without survivors) by an unknown fleet. Lilmoth suffered a similar attack two days later, but was able to survive with immense damage. Observers at Lilmoth say there are dozens of insectoid-shaped ships of chitin hulls and membrane sails. Even more terrifying was then presence of "twenty-meter-long fire-breathing sea-serpents". One-quarter of all residents are evacuated from Lilmoth, and many in other coastal settlements have fled to the inner marshes. Combined with pirates and slavers often target ships carrying Argonian volunteers, Rules-with-Claw has advised against all sea travel.
In an exclusive interview, the Argonian king acknowledges that the Argonian people now face their greatest trial since the Oblivion Crisis. He urges every single Argonian to return home through whatever means necessary. Although Rules-with-Claw states the war is the Argonians' holy struggle, he nevertheless recognizes the roles of other races as well. In particular, Rules-with-Claw calls Morrowind "despicable opportunists" for "backstabbing after showing goodwill mere weeks ago" in the Stormhold summit, and threantens to "march for Blacklight when the tide turns". The king also sympathizes with Skyrim's battle against the Kamal, and says the Nords should unite against "eastern aggression".
Editor's notes:
1) The consensus on Argonian casualty places it firmly in the thousands, with some higher estimates, such as the department of war magic in the Nibenese Synod, project over 10000 casualties.
2) Altmer merchant navy has been spotted delivering supplies to Black Marsh. It possible that Argonia is now using trade deals negotiated in the Stormhold summit.
3) Three-meter tall war golems are fielded by the Armigers. See Morrowind news section for details.
4) On the day prior to printing, our Argonian scribe fell into a zombie-like trance after a sharp migraine. Thankfully, the situation was contained thanks to skooma intervention by our Khajiit columnist. It is believed that similar occurrences may affect other Argonians, with those further from Black Marsh having long delays before their own episodes. Connection to the Hist may be related to the strength of the symptoms.
Black Marsh's enemies struck from multiple fronts. Akaviris, now widely believed to be the ape-like Tang Mo and the snake-like Tsaesci, seized Thorn through a seaborne landing on the 7th. Stormhold, previously sacked by Morrowind and later returned to Argonia in an armistice, was recaptured by Morrowind Armigers and house Dres lancers. While war has been declared by Morrowind for almost two weeks, the relationship between Akavir and Morrowind has not been officially confirmed or denied. Various sources have confirmed Akaviri ships resupplying and trading at Tear harbor. Dunmers and the orientals are rumored to be exchanging weapons and tactics. Both sides have been pushing inland in what analysts believe are attempts to connect Thorn and Stormhold. However, Argonian resistance have denied all attempts so far. Dunmers and Akaviris are resorting to burning everything in their paths, including sacred hist trees.
Around the 20th, Soulrest was completely destroyed (without survivors) by an unknown fleet. Lilmoth suffered a similar attack two days later, but was able to survive with immense damage. Observers at Lilmoth say there are dozens of insectoid-shaped ships of chitin hulls and membrane sails. Even more terrifying was then presence of "twenty-meter-long fire-breathing sea-serpents". One-quarter of all residents are evacuated from Lilmoth, and many in other coastal settlements have fled to the inner marshes. Combined with pirates and slavers often target ships carrying Argonian volunteers, Rules-with-Claw has advised against all sea travel.
In an exclusive interview, the Argonian king acknowledges that the Argonian people now face their greatest trial since the Oblivion Crisis. He urges every single Argonian to return home through whatever means necessary. Although Rules-with-Claw states the war is the Argonians' holy struggle, he nevertheless recognizes the roles of other races as well. In particular, Rules-with-Claw calls Morrowind "despicable opportunists" for "backstabbing after showing goodwill mere weeks ago" in the Stormhold summit, and threantens to "march for Blacklight when the tide turns". The king also sympathizes with Skyrim's battle against the Kamal, and says the Nords should unite against "eastern aggression".
Editor's notes:
1) The consensus on Argonian casualty places it firmly in the thousands, with some higher estimates, such as the department of war magic in the Nibenese Synod, project over 10000 casualties.
2) Altmer merchant navy has been spotted delivering supplies to Black Marsh. It possible that Argonia is now using trade deals negotiated in the Stormhold summit.
3) Three-meter tall war golems are fielded by the Armigers. See Morrowind news section for details.
4) On the day prior to printing, our Argonian scribe fell into a zombie-like trance after a sharp migraine. Thankfully, the situation was contained thanks to skooma intervention by our Khajiit columnist. It is believed that similar occurrences may affect other Argonians, with those further from Black Marsh having long delays before their own episodes. Connection to the Hist may be related to the strength of the symptoms.
News
Elsweyr: Anequina general Ri’Nhazi-Do, known as the "Lion of Senchal" and "Butcher of Cubs" has become the prime target of Pelletine insurgents. A failed attempt on his life last week was followed up by his mysterious disappearance three days ago. One insurgent, speaking anonymously because they are not authorized for press briefing, says the general is abducted.
While Elsweyr is just recovering from the extremely costly civil war, lawlessness plague its countrysides and coastlines. Severe attrition of soldiers meant bandits have free rein across the vast savannas. Abductions continue on the southern coasts, with the number of missing exceeding 100. During our interview with an abduction escapee, the abductors are described as "pale skinned, but changes their complexion from the beach to meadows". "Boats like bugs are pulled man-sized sea snakes" is the description of their transportation.
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Skyrim: Manis' Stormcloak hardliners make their first move. Offensives are launched to take Hjaalmarch. Our analysts believe this is due to Morthal being weak politically and militarily. Fort Snowhawk is now in Manis' hands, but Morthal staffed off his attack courtesy of reinforcements from Haafingar and Whiterun. Jarl Sorli and her court fled to Whiterun.
Solitude Jarl Elisif is gravely injured by an assassin and will require months to heal. Erikur becomes acting jarl in her absence.
(Editor's note: Mobs chased Erikur out of Solitude on our printing day; apparently evidence are found incriminating him for the attempt of Elisif's life. Bryling is now acting jarl.)
Because majority of Skyrim's standing army are now engaging each other in Hjaalmarch; troops promised for fighting the Kamal are canceled. Forsworns reclaim large swaths of the Reach, and Falkreath rebels capture Riverwood.
Imperial support is rejected by the Stormcloak hardliners. Balgruuf is still silent on the offer; we suspect he needs extra manpower, but is alarmed by the development in Riften. In the Rift itself, Maven Black-Briar is importing the 3rd Imperial Legion to counter mass guard resignation (Maven is poorly reputed among local law enforcement).
Kamals make serious gains. Fort Kastav fell as the last remnant of Winterhold guards, which means the Kamals are free to roam the entirety of Winterhold. Mixwater Mill and Steamcrag Camp have fallen, and the southern frontline is now anchoring around Fort Amol, Darkwater Crossing and Mistwatch. White River Braves and Eastmarch guards are strengthened by volunteers, mercenaries and guards from Riften. The Blackbriar Meadery offers half price mead for frontline combatants, as long as they wear tabards bearing the company's logo.
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Dragontail Mountains: In response to the massacre, a hastily assembled force of 1000 Redguard warriors march into Dragon Gate. They pursued the Orcs into the Dragontail Mountains, but was wiped out in a planned ambush at a narrow mountain pass.
Although winning a decisive victory, Orsinium appears to be weakened by internal conflict. The mass influx of stronghold Orcs caused a rift between the Malacath-dominated Orsinium and Trinimac worshippers elsewhere. Strangely, some Orcs prefer to follow Arkay, believing he and Malacath/Trinimac belong to the same entity. Riots and desertion are already happening, and their frequencies are very likely to climb.
(Should lexicographers lemmatize "Trinimarkay"? Take the survey on back page,)
Hammerfell: Sentinel ramps up arm production and tax. Sailors and mages are experimenting with ships powered by wind spirits. Giant Alik'r scorpions have been appropriated from desert tribes. A loose coalition was formed out of rebelling knightly orders and outlying tribes, with the intention of detaching themselves from Temijen's war.
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Valenwood: An armistice has been signed by the Imperial backed separatist and Dominion forces. Regions around Silvenar are to be demarcated and serve as neutral buffer zones. However, northern Valenwood coastlines are still under Redguard control, which they use to raid supply convoys to the Stros M'Kai blockade. Alinor finally responded by attacking occupied ports, taking back Velyn Harbor, Fuller's Break and Emperor's Run. Ten Redguard ships are sunk, some by hostile action while others were scuttled to clog the ports.
Altmer marines encountered stiff resistance upon landing. Redguard defenders are overcame nonetheless, they retreated inland through rivers. Witnesses say Redguard soldiers killed all Bosmers with Dominion sympathies before retreating.
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Summerset Isles: The rumors of a coup is confirmed. Thalmor extremists attempted to seize power while the high king and his chief admiral were away from the island. The elderly archmage of the Alinor Arcane Society served as regent, and he was eliminated through poison. The coup plotters then moved to secure various ministries, but their efforts were foiled by the Renshi, elite non-Altmer spies loyal to High King Aelid. Renshi leader lord Walden was kidnapped by the Thalmor.
When Aelid returned to Summerset days after the failed coup, he found many Thalmor conspirators have escaped capture. These same individuals would return one week later with a small army, hoping to seize the capital by force. Royal guards were swiftly defeated, but Walden broke out in time to sacrifice himself to save the High King's life. Aelid escaped and rallied the citizens of Alinor City to stand him. Most Thalmor soldiers gave up once it was apparent the city rejected them. High Justicar Aldra, the chief conspirator, escaped yet again. Some say she did so on board the same mysterious ships responsible for raiding Elsweyr and Argonia.
All aforementioned information is released one week ago, and the events took place two to three weeks ago. Alinor has reopened whatever limited travel it once allowed. Thalmor elements have been entirely purged, and governmental power restored to the traditional monarchy and the mage-artist elite. This altered regime promises to uphold the Dominion and carry out the war against Hammerfell. Many Thalmor operatives are still at large outside of the Summerset Isles.
(Reward! High King Aelid pays for any captured Thalmor personnel. Details available at your nearest Dominion consulate. Hammerfell residents not eligible.)
Cyrodiil: Caius Speculatus' wife, Equa, was taken into custody by the Penitus Occulatus. Official press briefing states the move is for Equa's own safety, as the suspected vampire Caius could be plotting to turn his family. However, some believe the move is to draw out Caius and the Seventh Estate from hiding.
Thousands have been infected with the Cyrodilic Disconnect. Angela Venarius still holds the sole effective cure in Daggerfall. Other medicines and treatments have questionable effectiveness and/or deadly side effects. Venarius has began selling her cure to Imperial clients at exorbitant prices, which more then two-third of all patients cannot afford. Venarius claims it is "fair pay for hard work" and the formula has been burned as revenge for Cyrodiil's "lack of appreciation".
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Morrowind: All free Argonians in Morrowind are to be deported, arrested, executed or enslaved. Armed resistance are cropping up all throughout Vvardenfell and mainland Morrowind, with non-Dunmers forming their bulk. The Nerevarine's Justice Ministry deploys Sentinels of the Moon and Star, a secret police of Ashlander elites armed with Akaviri style weapon. So far, the Sentinels enjoy wide success.
War golem production continues. The latest design is a fusion of Solstheim ash golem and Dwarven centurion. Their prototypes fared poorly in Black Marsh.
(See reviews of 1/8 toy war golems in our sister publication; the Tamriel Guess It!)
High Rock: As pirate lord Mackin's escape is confirmed, allied Breton troops assault Wayrest at last. Fierce close combat sees stubborn pirates making their last stand in the historical Wayrest castle. Though all eyes fall on the battle itself, worries start surface regarding the post-war landscapes. It remains to be seen how the power vacuum is filled, or if the allies can move forward with unanimity.
The 11th and 12th Breton reserve legions have been called up.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
Music: A song of...seating? Bard Rebekah the Black makes us hate Fridas again. (more on page 5)
Gaming: Check out the monthly leaderboard for Soultrap Go! Altmer black horse Keegan Vasque is leading with a rare chaurus catch!
Health: We review a recently released pharmaceutical called Waterdrop. Is it an elixir of reflex or just Nereid urine? Find out on page 7!
Biology: Analysis of Imga Arambey's rampage in an Altmer wildlife show.
(Clip this article for exclusive Arambey plushy coupon!)
Military: Warlord Coni is now famous on the Dreamsleeve for employing young warriors, but how does Tamriel think of Coni 205? (more on page 6)
